Development of materials composed of semiconductor nanoclusters with uniform size and core composition is a current challenge in nanotechnology. While it is very difficult to control the size and core composition for large clusters it might be practical for ultra-small clusters, as they tend to adopt a handful of structures having exceptionally high stability. These thermodynamically stable ensembles of atoms are often called �magic sizes� and are formed by closed shells of atoms providing uniformity in their chemical composition approaching that of small molecules. Introduction of semiconductor nanoclusters having uniform core composition into the currently available devices would improve performance. The key requirements for achieving these include developing new synthetic methods, understanding principles governing formation of �magic sized� nanoclusters, and preparation of novel nanomaterial composites. More specifically, I plan to focus my research on (1) synthesis of �magic sized� semiconductor nanoclusters of various functionalities with uniform size and core composition via colloidal approach (2) production of novel nanocomposites based on conducting polymers and semiconductor nanoclusters, (3) developing strategies to control their long and short range interaction (4) electronic band gap detection through electrochemical methods. These will generate novel nanomaterials for the advancement of lasers, LEDs, photovoltaic devices and electrocatalysts.

Next generation nanomaterial composites based on �magic sized� semiconductor nanoclusters with uniform size and core composition

246th National Meeting (2013)

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