Cluster Beam Deposition and Analysis of Metal Chalcogenide Nanoparticles in Organic Films

技术描述：团束沉积金属硫化物纳米颗粒到薄膜中是与蒸发或离子辅助沉积有机相结合进行的。这些沉积方法改善了对纳米颗粒表面化学和形貌的控制，从而开发出高效、稳定的光伏薄膜。用X射线光电子能谱、透射电子显微镜和激光解吸真空紫外电离质谱对纳米粒子的表面化学和薄膜中的异质结键进行了研究。动态X射线光电子能谱被用来探测这些薄膜的光物理，通过以特定于元素的方式检查它们的光生电荷，而不需要用于电接触的金属覆盖层。非技术描述：该研究项目有助于了解纳米颗粒表面化学与薄膜光伏行为的关系的基础知识，并最终利用低成本、丰富的材料生产高效太阳能电池。一个更广泛的教育影响是为研究生和博士后研究人员发展指导研讨会。这些研讨会通过讨论工作安置、面试、提案、工作期望、职业与个人目标的平衡以及相关问题，为参与者在学术界、行业或政府的不同职业生涯做好准备。

Technical Description: Cluster beam deposition of metal chalcogenide nanoparticles into films is performed in combination with evaporative or ion-assisted deposition of an organic phase. These deposition methods improve control of nanoparticle surface chemistry and morphology for the development of high-efficiency, stable photovoltaic films. Nanoparticle surface chemistry and heterojunction bonding in films are probed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and laser desorption vacuum ultraviolet postionization mass spectrometry. Dynamic X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is utilized to probe the photophysics of these films by examining their photoinduced charging in an element-specific fashion, without the need for metal overlayers for electrical contact.Non-technical Description: This research project contributes to fundamental knowledge of the relationship of nanoparticle surface chemistry to film photovoltaic behavior and, ultimately, to production of high-efficiency solar cells using low-cost, abundant materials. One broader educational impact is the development of mentoring seminars for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. These seminars prepare participants for diverse careers in academia, industry, or government by discussing job placement, interviewing, proposals, job expectations, the balance of career with personal goals, and related issues.