One-Dimensional Nanostructures and Devices of II–V Group Semiconductors

The II–V group semiconductors, with narrow band gaps, are important materials with many applications in infrared detectors, lasers, solar cells, ultrasonic multipliers, and Hall generators. Since the first report on trumpet-like Zn3P2nanowires, one-dimensional (1-D) nanostructures of II–V group semiconductors have attracted great research attention recently because these special 1-D nanostructures may find applications in fabricating new electronic and optoelectronic nanoscale devices. This article covers the 1-D II–V semiconducting nanostructures that have been synthesized till now, focusing on nanotubes, nanowires, nanobelts, and special nanostructures like heterostructured nanowires. Novel electronic and optoelectronic devices built on 1-D II–V semiconducting nanostructures will also be discussed, which include metal–insulator-semiconductor field-effect transistors, metal-semiconductor field-effect transistors, andp–nheterojunction photodiode. We intent to provide the readers a brief account of these exciting research activities

CVD growth of boron nitride nanotubes

Multiwalled BN nanotubes are grown from nickel boride catalyst particles by chemical vapor deposition at 1000-1100 degrees C using borazine, B3N3H6, as the precursor. This precursor is generated in situ from molten salt that forms from mixtures of (NH4)(2)SO4, NaBH4, and Co3O4 at 300-400 degrees C. The BN nanotubes have concentric-tube structures, are free of internal closures, have crystalline walls, and exhibit lengths of up to similar to 5 mu m. The nanotubes often possess bulbous, flag-like, or club-like tip closures. A root-growth mechanism is proposed for the catalyzed process

Photon-responsive nanomaterials for solar cells

The global issue of the utmost exhaustion of fossil fuels on earth has driven research towards the development of alternative energy resources to meet the increasing demand for energy required in modern society. Among the different types of renewable sources, solar energy is the largest energy source which is unlimited and clean. Currently solar cells or photovoltaic (PV) technologies that generate electricity by harnessing sunlight is one of the fastest growing power generation sources in the energy sector. In this chapter we review the application of nanomaterials in some types of solar cells including dye-sensitized solar cells, quantum dots solar cells and perovskite solar cells. Semiconductor materials such as TiO2, ZnOx, SnOx, NiOx etc have been widely used as electron or hole transport materials in these type of solar cells. The morphology, shape, size, crystal structure of particles of these materials can significantly influence the device performance. The outlook of the future research direction is provided at the end of the review.</p