Built-in Potential and Charge Distribution within Single Heterostructured Nanorods Measured by Scanning Kelvin Probe Microscopy

Sanjini U. Nanayakkara, Gilad Cohen, Chun Sheng Jiang, Manuel J. Romero, Klara Maturova, Mowafak Al-Jassim, Jao Van De Lagemaat, Yossi Rosenwaks, Joseph M. Luther

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

47 Scopus Citations

Abstract

The electrostatic potential distribution across single, isolated, colloidal heterostructured nanorods (NRs) with component materials expected to form a p-n junction within each NR has been measured using scanning Kelvin probe microscopy (SKPM). We compare CdS to bicomponent CdS-CdSe, CdS-PbSe, and CdS-PbS NRs prepared via different synthetic approaches to corroborate the SKPM assignments. The CdS-PbS NRs show a sharp contrast in measured potential across the material interface. We find the measured built-in potential within an individual NR to be attenuated by long-range electrostatic forces between the sample substrate, cantilever, and the measuring tip. Surface potential images were deconvoluted to yield built-in potentials ranging from 375 to 510 meV in the heterostructured NRs. We deduce the overall built-in potential as well as the charge distribution across each segment of the heterostructured NRs by combining SKPM data with simulations of the system.

Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)1278-1284
Number of pages7
JournalNano Letters
Volume13
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/JA-5900-56714

Keywords

  • built-in potential
  • Charge transfer doping
  • colloidal nanorods
  • heterostructured nanomaterials
  • scanning Kelvin probe microscopy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Built-in Potential and Charge Distribution within Single Heterostructured Nanorods Measured by Scanning Kelvin Probe Microscopy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this