Group 14 Nanomaterials and Nanoengineered Hybrids - Design, Synthesis, Properties, and Applications.

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Semiconductor nanoparticles, or quantum dots (QDs) were first reported approximately thirty years ago. At that time it was difficult to foresee that they would provide the basis for what has become an important cross-disciplinary research area with far reaching impact in energy production and storage, efficient electronic devices, medical diagnostics, among others. To date, the most widely studied QDs are based upon CdSe; the size dependent properties of these materials are largely understood. Despite the obvious societal benefits afforded by their exquisitely tuneable properties and practical applications, the cytotoxicity of cadmium cannot be ignored and governments are moving to restrict their use.***Clearly, the demonstrated utility of QDs and their potential for dramatically impacting many aspects of modern society make them very attractive materials to pursue. In this context, there is a concerted effort to develop non-toxic QDs based upon abundant materials and establish an understanding of the parameters that impact their properties. Silicon (Si) and germanium (Ge) are attractive CdSe alternatives - both are semiconductors and Si is the second most abundant element in the earth's crust. However, their reactivity, electronic structure, and optical response differ substantially from that of CdSe. In fact, it is only recently that convenient methods for preparing SiQDs were developed and preparation of well-defined GeQDs remains elusive. In addition, interfacing these high surface area materials with their surroundings is an important outstanding challenge - the jury is still out on how best to tailor Si and Ge QD surface chemistry. Furthermore, important questions remain related to how and why surface groups influence the properties of these systems. These issues must be addressed if these non-toxic nanomaterials are to realize their full potential and society is to benefit.***The present research program targets the development of methods for preparing and tailoring the surface chemistry of Si and Ge QDs. More importantly, we aim to establish a firm understanding of the factors that influence their material properties which will lead to advances in a variety of impactful practical applications (e.g., solar cells, rechargeable batteries, sensors, thermoelectric devices, and imaging agents). With this new insight in hand, advanced nanoengineered hybrids that marry the properties of quantum dots and polymers will be designed, synthesized, and investigated.**