Casey P., Rossouw C.J., Murphy A.B., Bell C.
Commonwealth Scientific and Research Organisation, AU
Keywords: lattice engineered, nanoparticles, photoactivity, zinc oxide
Nano-particulate oxides such as ZnO and TiO2 are receiving much attention as functional nanoparticles predominantly due to their increased efficiency in absorbing UV at small particle sizes. However, whilst protection against UV may be maintained at these smaller particle sizes, the rate at which hydroxyl radicals are generated increases, due to the inherent photo-activity of these materials. One method by which photoactivity may be quenched is by altering the band gap. Alteration of the band gap may be achieved by lowering the energy gap relative to the original system by the introduction of cationic dopants into the lattice a process which we refer to as lattice engineering. Using a new variant of the method of atom location by channelling-enhanced microanalysis (ALCHEMI) to determine whether or not atomic and sub-1 atomic % dopant atoms are incorporated on the cation site, in conjunction with techniques to determine band-gap alteration [3] and UV absorbance a series of lattice engineered particles have been examined to determine whether changes in bulk functional properties may be correlated with these lattice engineered properties.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 4, Technical Proceedings of the 2007 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 4
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 16 - 19
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Materials Characterization & Imaging
ISBN: 1-4200-6376-6