Electrochemical Liquid Liquid Synthesis of Semiconductor and Intermetallic Nanomaterials

Abstract

This presentation describes the hybrid methodology of electrochemical liquid-liquid-solid (ec-LLS) crystal growth for the synthesis of semiconductor and intermetallic nanostructures. The premise of ec-LLS is that electrodeposition can be coupled with melt-crystal growth through the use of liquid metal cathodes. Electrodeposition of zero-valent metals and metalloids, followed by dissolution into and then precipitation out of the liquid metal, affords low-temperature and rapid crystal growth. This presentation first describes our latest understanding of the governing factors of ec-LLS processes for the preparation of semiconductor nanowires. Following, our latest results for the synthesis of intermetallic nanoparticles by ec-LLS will be demonstrated. The operative design rules for optimal liquid metal cathodes that afford tailored binary and ternary intermetallic nanoparticles will be discussed. An emphasis will be placed on ec-LLS reactions that produce catalytic intermetallic nanomaterials.