Interface Chemistry for Nanoscale Devices

技术：该项目的目标是(I)确定与Ge结合的有机和无机材料从平面到纳米线几何尺寸的界面电子结构和性质的变化，以及(Ii)更一般地使用平面和纳米线配置来检查表面/界面化学修饰对混合异质结构器件性能的影响。目标是开发设计和化学修改多组分纳米设备的核心界面所需的概念性工具、合成方法和工程战略。这项研究将集中在原子和单层尺度的“能带排列”，因为设备的几何尺寸从平面到纳米线。这项研究将解决当这些材料组合成纳米级异质结构时必须理解的关键界面问题。研究将考察Ge与纳米线和平面结构中的有机层和无机层的界面相互作用。该项目将探索界面的修改，以：i)控制氧化，ii)钝化表面和界面缺陷，iii)调整带对齐(功函数工程)，以及iv)将化学物种结合到界面以实现特定功能。预期成果包括：确定纳米尺度界面的原子和电子结构；建立对纳米线界面与其传统平面类似物之间的化学和电子结构差异的理解；以及开发工具，通过原子和分子修饰/功能化来控制界面的电子结构和所产生的设备特性。将采用的高分辨率表征工具包括表面、薄膜和纳米尺度的变体：(I)光电子能谱和逆光电子能谱，(Ii)高分辨率离子散射，(Iii)扫描探针显微镜，iv)电子显微镜(具有能量损失光谱)，(V)光学光谱和(Vi)电子传输。我们将研究双层、多层和简单的原型器件。结果将根据目前对界面控制的理解来表征，从而阐明材料成分的大小和维度的重要变量。非技术性：该项目解决与电子和光子学技术相关的材料科学专题领域的基础研究问题。预计研究成果将影响一系列技术应用，包括cmos纳米电子学、光伏、有机电子学和化学/生化传感器。希望对超薄膜和纳米线的界面材料、化学和物理有扎实的基础了解。正在探索的材料提供了传统设备的低成本和/或更高性能的替代方案。一系列强有力的教育活动包括：(I)开发侧重于接口的能源材料新课程，(Ii)扩大罗格斯大学的学生实习和工业交流，(Iii)在罗格斯大学和非洲机构之间发展一套新的互动(部分得益于新的国家科学基金--IGERT)，以及(Iv)开发面向纳米和表面科学的教学单元。这些模块将面向中学生和教师，与自由科学中心和罗格斯数学科学学习中心相结合。外联还将强调对妇女和任职人数偏低的少数群体的指导。

Technical: The objectives of this project are (i) to determine the changes in interface electronic structure and properties as one scales from planar to nanowire geometries for organic and inorganic materials bound to Ge, and (ii) to examine, more generally, the impact of surface/interface chemical modification on hybrid heterostructure device properties, using both planar and nanowire configurations. The goal is to develop the conceptual tools, synthetic methodologies, and engineering strategies needed to design and chemically modify interfaces central to multi-component nanoscale devices. The research will concentrate on atomic and monolayer scale 'band alignment' as device geometries scale from planar to nanowire. The research will address key interface issues that must be understood when these materials are combined in nanoscale heterostructures. Studies will examine interfacial interactions of Ge with organic and inorganic layers in both nanowire and planar structures. The project will explore modification of the interfaces to: i) control oxidation, ii) passivate surface and interface defects, iii) tune band alignment (work function engineering), and iv) bond chemical species to interfaces for specific functionality. Expected outcomes include: A determination of the atomic and electronic structure of nanoscale interfaces; the establishment of an understanding of how chemistry and electronic structure differ between nanowire interfaces and their conventional planar analogues; and development of tools to control the electronic structure of interfaces and the resultant device properties by atomic and molecular modification/functionalization. High-resolution characterization tools that will be employed include surface, thin film, and nanoscale variants of: (i) photoemission and inverse photoemission spectroscopy, (ii) high resolution ion scattering, (iii) scanning probe microscopy, iv) electron microscopy (with energy loss spectroscopy), (v) optical spectroscopy, and (vi) electronic transport. Bilayer, multilayer and simple prototype devices will be examined. Results will be characterized in terms of current understanding of interface control, thus elucidating the important variables of size and dimensionality of the material constituents. Non-technical: The project addresses basic research issues in a topical area of materials science with technological relevance in electronics and photonics. Research findings are expected to impact a range of technological applications including CMOS nanoelectronics, photovoltaics, organic electronics, and chemical/biochemical sensors. A solid fundamental understanding of interfacial materials chemistry and physics of ultrathin films and nanowires is expected. The materials being explored offer low-cost and/or higher performance alternatives to traditional devices. A strong set of educational activities include: (i) the development of new courses in energy materials with a focus on interfaces, (ii) the expansion of Rutgers student internships and industrial exchanges, (iii) the development of a new set of interactions between Rutgers and African institutions (facilitated in part by a new NSF-IGERT), and (iv) the development of nano and surface science oriented educational modules. The modules will target middle school students and teachers, coupling with the Liberty Science Center and the Rutgers Math-Science Learning Center. Outreach will also emphasize the mentoring of women and underrepresented minorities.