Issue 12, 2021

Understanding the structure, bonding and reactions of nanocrystalline semiconductors: a novel high-resolution instrumental method of solid-state synchronous luminescence spectroscopy

Abstract

This Perspective Article describes the recent advancements in studies of nanocrystalline metal oxides using a novel ultra-high resolution method, solid-state synchronous luminescence spectroscopy (SS-SLS). Semiconductors notably include titanium dioxide and these studies shed light on the detailed electronic structure, composition, and their reactions. First, we critically discuss the limitations of the major existing non-spectroscopic and spectroscopic methods of characterization of electronic structure of nanocrystalline semiconductors and insulators. Second, we describe the foundations and the setup of SS-SLS as an enhanced-resolution, facile, non-contact, non-destructive, and highly capable method of studies of nanomaterials. Third, the following insights are featured which are obtained by SS-SLS, but are not available by other methods: (a) detection of traps of electric charge (specific mid-gap states); (b) discrimination between “surface” and “bulk” sites; (c) in situ studies of composite nanomaterials and mechanisms of reactions, (d) the derivative SS-SLS for accurate determination of energies of absorption and emission. The specific advantages of SS-SLS versus other methods and in direct comparison with “conventional” photoluminescence spectroscopy are highlighted. Finally, new opportunities and challenges of SS-SLS are presented. SS-SLS is an advanced spectroscopic method with significant potential to aid academia and industry in studies of chemo-sensing, photocatalysis, optoelectronic materials, applied surface science, development of instrumental analysis, and studies of mechanisms of surface and “bulk” chemical reactions.

Graphical abstract: Understanding the structure, bonding and reactions of nanocrystalline semiconductors: a novel high-resolution instrumental method of solid-state synchronous luminescence spectroscopy

Article information

Article type
Perspective
Submitted
30 דצמ 2020
Accepted
01 מרץ 2021
First published
02 מרץ 2021

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 7022-7036

Author version available

Understanding the structure, bonding and reactions of nanocrystalline semiconductors: a novel high-resolution instrumental method of solid-state synchronous luminescence spectroscopy

A. Samokhvalov, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021, 23, 7022 DOI: 10.1039/D0CP06709A

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements