Quantum Dot Levels Research Articles

Aharonov–Bohm flux and dual gaps effects on energy levels in graphene magnetic quantum dots

We address the question of how the Aharonov–Bohm flux ΦAB can affect the energy levels of graphene magnetic quantum dots (GMQDs) of radius R. To answer this question, we consider GMQDs induced by a magnetic field B and subjected to two different gaps — an internal gap Δ1 and an external gap Δ2. After determining the eigenspinors and ensuring continuity at the boundary of the GMQDs, we formulate an analytical equation describing the corresponding energy levels. Our results show that the energy levels can exhibit either a symmetric or an asymmetric behavior depending on the valleys K(τ=1) and K′(τ=−1) together with the quantum angular momentum m. In addition, we find that ΦAB causes an increase in the band gap width when Δ1 is present inside the GMQDs. This effect is less significant when a gap is present outside, resulting in a longer lifetime of the confined electronic states. Further increases in ΦAB reduce the number of levels between the conduction and valence bands, thereby increasing the band gap. These results demonstrate that the electronic properties of graphene can be tuned by the presence of the AB flux, offering the potential to control the behavior of graphene-based quantum devices.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Zinc Oxide Quantum Dots on Growth Performance and Gut Health in Broilers.

This study aims to investigate the effect of different levels of zinc oxide quantum dots (ZnO-QDs) on the growth performance and gut health in broilers. A total of 1125 1-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into five groups with 15 replicates of 15 chicks each. The broilers were fed basal diets supplemented with 0, 40, 80, 120, or 160mg Zn/kg as ZnO-QDs for 6weeks. The results showed that dietary 80 and 120mg Zn/kg ZnO-QD supplementation increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (1.4-1.7%) and reduced feed conversion ratio (1.3%) compared to the basal diet group during various experimental periods. Meanwhile, 80mg Zn/kg ZnO-QD supplementation increased (P < 0.05) trypsin activity (25.4%), villus height, and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the jejunum. Moreover, 80mg Zn/kg ZnO-QD supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the activities of glutathione reductase (47.7%) and superoxide dismutase (30.9%), while 120mg Zn/kg ZnO-QD supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) glutathione peroxidase activity (27.1%) in the jejunum. Furthermore, 40mg Zn/kg ZnO-QD supplementation down-regulated (P < 0.05) the expression of genes; interleukin-2, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), Cathelicidin-1, Cathelicidin-2, Cathelicidin-3, and Occludin, while 80-160mg Zn/kg ZnO-QD supplementation up-regulated (P < 0.05) Claudin-2 expression in the jejunum. In conclusion, dietary ZnO-QD supplementation improved growth performance of broilers potentially by enhancing their intestinal health status. Based on nonlinear regression analysis, the appropriate level of ZnO-QD supplementation would be from 98.2 to 102.5mg Zn/kg.

Quantitative photocurrent scanning probe microscopy on PbS quantum dot monolayers.

Photoconductive atomic force microscopy can probe monolayers of PbS/perovskite quantum dots (QDs) with a contact area of 1-3 QDs in stable and reproducible acquisition conditions for I/V curves and photocurrent maps. From the measurements, quantitative values for the barrier height, built-in voltage, diffusion constant and ideality factor are deduced with high precision. The data analysis is based on modelling a superposition of the drift current of the photo-excited charges and a diffusion current across the interface barriers, providing physical insight into the underlying processes. Besides looking into PbS/perovskite on an indium tin oxide substrate, it is shown how the photocurrent is modified by changing either the QD ligand (to thiocyanate) or the substrate (to micro- and nanostructured gold). The dependence of the photocurrent on the light irradiance is found to follow a power law with an exponent of 0.64. Generally, quantitative measurements with high spatial resolution (on the single QD level) can provide significant insight into the processes in nanostructured hybrid optoelectronic components.

Needle in a haystack: Efficiently finding atomically defined quantum dots for electrostatic force microscopy.

The ongoing development of single electron, nano-, and atomic scale semiconductor devices would greatly benefit from a characterization tool capable of detecting single electron charging events with high spatial resolution at low temperatures. In this work, we introduce a novel Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) instrument capable of measuring critical device dimensions, surface roughness, electrical surface potential, and ultimately the energy levels of quantum dots and single electron transistors in ultra miniaturized semiconductor devices. The characterization of nanofabricated devices with this type of instrument presents a challenge: finding the device. We, therefore, also present a process to efficiently find a nanometer sized quantum dot buried in a 10 × 10 mm2 silicon sample using a combination of optical positioning, capacitive sensors, and AFM topography in a vacuum.

S-scheme electron transfer promoted by novel indium oxide quantum dot–loaded carbon nitride heterojunctions promoted using oxidized indium monomers

The graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) photocatalysis has emerged as a clean method for cleaving lignin-linked bonds due to its mild and sunlight-driven reaction conditions. The fast electron–hole pair complex of g-C3N4 constrains its degradation efficiency, making the heterojunction construction a popular solution. The conventional methods of preparing g-C3N4 heterojunctions by physical mixing destroy π-conjugations in g-C3N4, reducing the adsorption of lignin containing benzene rings. In this study, a novel indium oxide (In2O3) quantum dot–g-C3N4 0D/2D heterojunction was prepared through the high-temperature oxidation of pre-prepared indium-doped g-C3N4. The introduction of In2O3 at the quantum dot level minimizes the interference with lignin adsorption capacity. The strong combination of the two (In2O3 and g-C3N4) increases the intersection interface area, promoting the S-scheme transfer route of the photogenerated electrons. Consequently, this enhances the photoelectric conversion efficiency and carrier lifetime of the heterojunction, and inhibits the rapid recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs in g-C3N4. The proposed heterojunction was 3 times more efficient than g-C3N4 alone for selective cleavage of lignin β–O–4 bonds after 2 h of sunlight irradiation. Combined with inhibitor experiments and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis, this paper defines the reactive oxides and proposes a cleavage pathway for the lignin β–O–4 bonds in In2O3–g-C3N4 heterojunction system.

Boosting energy levels in graphene magnetic quantum dots through magnetic flux and inhomogeneous gap

We study the effects of a magnetic flux and an inhomogeneous gap on the energy spectrum of graphene magnetic quantum dots (GMQDs). By considering the Dirac equation in the infinite mass framework, we can analytically obtain eigenspinor expressions. By applying boundary conditions, we obtain an energy spectrum equation in terms of system parameters such as radius, magnetic field, energy, flux, and gap. In the infinite limit, we recover Landau levels for graphene in a magnetic field. We show that the energy spectrum increases significantly in the presence of flux and a gap inside the GMQDs, which prolongs the lifetime of the trapped electron states. We show that higher flux also produces new Landau levels of negative angular momentum. Meanwhile, we find that the gap increases the separation between the electron and hole energy bands. As shown in the radial probability analysis, flux and gap emerge as influential factors in controlling electron mobility, affecting confinement, and prolonging the presence of quasi-bound states.

Doping‐Induced Performance Improvement in ReS2 Field Effect Transistors: Exploring a Heterostructure with In2O3 Quantum Dots

AbstractRhenium disulfide (ReS2) is a type of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) that has potential electronic and photoelectrical applications. However, limited research has been conducted on improving its electrical properties and understanding the effect of doping on ReS2‐based devices. In this study, the enhanced electrical and photoelectrical performance of a 2D/0D heterostructure constructed by decorating the In2O3 quantum dots (QDs) on a multilayer ReS2 field‐effect transistor (FET) is reported. The In2O3 QDs are characterized by using a transmission electron microscope, optical absorption, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The n‐doping effects with improved mobility are clearly observed, which is attributed to the electron transfer induced by the relatively high conduction band level of In2O3 QDs. Owing to the channel migration of ReS2 and traps at the ReS2/In2O3 QDs interface, additional performance improvements are observed, including reduced contact resistance, improved subthreshold swing, and increased photoresponsivity; however, the photoresponse speed is decreased. In summary, the findings suggest a novel mixed‐dimensional heterostructure for enhancing the performance of ReS2 transistors and provide insights into doping‐induced channel migration for 2D materials.

Generating Long-Lived Charge Carriers in CdS Quantum Dots by Cu-Doping for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction.

Converting CO2 into high-value-added chemicals has been recognized as a promising way to tackle the fossil fuel crisis. Quantum dots (QDs) have been extensively studied for photocatalytic CO2 reduction due to their excellent optoelectronic properties. However, most of the photogenerated charge carriers recombine before they participate in the photocatalytic reaction. It is crucial to regulate the charge carriers to minimize undesired charge recombination, thus, promoting surface photocatalysis. Herein, we report a copper-doped CdS (Cu:CdS) QD photocatalyst for CO2 reduction. Density functional theory simulations and experimental results demonstrate that Cu dopants create intermediate energy levels in CdS QDs that can extend the lifetime of exciton charge carriers. Furthermore, the long-lived charge carriers can be harnessed for the photocatalytic reaction on Cu:CdS QDs. The resultant Cu:CdS QDs exhibited a significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity toward CO2 reduction compared to the pristine CdS QDs. This work highlights the importance of charge regulation in photocatalysts and opens new pathways for the exploration of efficient QD photocatalysts.

Effect of Connectivity on the Carrier Transport and Recombination Dynamics of Perovskite Quantum-Dot Networks.

Quantum-dot (QD) solids are being widely exploited as a solution-processable technology to develop photovoltaic, light-emission, and photodetection devices. Charge transport in these materials is the result of a compromise between confinement at the individual QD level and electronic coupling among the different nanocrystals in the ensemble. While this is commonly achieved by ligand engineering in colloidal-based systems, ligand-free QD assemblies have recently emerged as an exciting alternative where nanostructures can be directly grown into porous matrices with optical quality as well as control over their connectivity and, hence, charge transport properties. In this context, we present a complete photophysical study comprising fluence- and temperature-dependent time-resolved spectroscopy to study carrier dynamics in ligand-free QD networks with gradually varying degrees of interconnectivity, which we achieve by changing the average distance between the QDs. Analysis of the photoluminescence and absorption properties of the QD assemblies, involving both static and time-resolved measurements, allows us to identify the weight of the different recombination mechanisms, both radiative and nonradiative, as a function of QD connectivity. We propose a picture where carrier diffusion, which is needed for any optoelectronic application and implies interparticle transport, gives rise to the exposure of carriers to a larger defect landscape than in the case of isolated QDs. The use of a broad range of fluences permits extracting valuable information for applications demanding either low- or high-carrier-injection levels and highlighting the relevance of a judicious design to balance recombination and diffusion.

Spatial-Arrangement-Assisted Emission Energy Fine Tuning of CdSe Quantum Dots (QDs) in QD–Block Copolymer Complexes

Quantum dots (QDs) exhibit size-dependent optical properties, where both the absorption and fluorescence energy levels vary with QD size. However, this dependence results in a discontinuity of intrinsically accessible energy levels for the bandgap, posing challenges in achieving precise energy tuning within a specific range. Herein, we demonstrate emission energy control of QDs with identical absorption energy levels by manipulating the spatial arrangement of QDs within QD–polymer complexes through hydrophobic interactions. The phase behavior of the QD–polymer complexes was modulated by adjusting the mass fraction of hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks in the block copolymer, utilizing two types of amphiphilic block copolymers and varying temperatures. The QDs were spontaneously trapped within the hydrophobic region of the polymer template in water, resulting in spherical, cylindrical, and vesicle structures of QD–polymer complexes, corresponding to spherical, cylindrical, and layered assemblies of QDs, respectively. Depending on the QDs’ location within the QD–polymer complex, the surface area in contact with water varied, leading to different degrees of oxidation and, consequently, a change in the fluorescence energy level of QDs. This study introduces a novel method to fine tune the emission energy (&lt;15 eV) of QDs by adjusting the polymer form factor without complicated procedures.

Decoupling of Majorana bound states in T-shaped double-quantum-dot structure with ferromagnetic leads

The significant potential applications of Majorana bound state (MBS) in topological quantum computing manifest the importance and necessity of relevant in-depth research. To understand the physical properties of MBS, the most practical approach is to integrate it to a mesoscopic circuit and then investigate its quantum transport behaviors. In this work, we investigate the transport properties in the systems with MBS, and provide theoretical support for its further understanding and detection, by utilizing the nonequilibrium Green’s function method and scattering matrix theory. Specifically, we investigate theoretically the transport properties in a T-shaped double-quantum dot structure, by considering MBS to be coupled to the dot in the main channel, which shows that in the linear transmission region, when the level of side-coupled dot is tuned to the Fermi energy level, the contribution of MBS to the conductance is eliminated under weak and strong Coulomb interaction. The side-coupled dot is far away from the Fermi energy level, leading to different results. When Majorana zero mode is added, the linear conductance is independent of the level of the side-coupled quantum dot, and the conductance plateau appears. However, with coupling between the MBSs, the linear conductance is the same as that without coupling between the MBSs. The decoupling phenomenon of the MBS remains strong. Therefore, the signature of the MBS can be eliminated by adjusting the level of the side-coupled quantum dot or the inter-MBS coupling. When ferromagnetic leads are introduced, the appearance or disappearance of the conductance plateau is clearly dependent on the difference between the magnetic field direction and the lead polarization direction in the system, whereas the decoupling behavior of the MBS is still existent. This work contributes to further explaining the decoupling phenomenon of MBSs in a T-shaped double-quantum-dot system, and presents a theoretical approach to more in-depth understanding and detection of the MBS.

Josephson Junction π-0 Transition Induced by Orbital Hybridization in a Double Quantum Dot.

In this Letter, we manipulate the phase shift of a Josephson junction using a parallel double quantum dot (QD). By employing a superconducting quantum interference device, we determine how orbital hybridization and detuning affect the current-phase relation in the Coulomb blockade regime. For weak hybridization between the QDs, we find π junction characteristics if at least one QD has an unpaired electron. Notably the critical current is higher when both QDs have an odd electron occupation. By increasing the inter-QD hybridization the critical current is reduced, until eventually a π-0 transition occurs. A similar transition appears when detuning the QD levels at finite hybridization. Based on a zero-bandwidth model, we argue that both cases of phase-shift transitions can be understood considering an increased weight of states with a double occupancy in the ground state and with the Cooper pair transport dominated by local Andreev reflection.

Energy Levels of Quantum Dots in Monolayer of Molybdenum Disulfide MoS$$_2$$

Energy Levels of Quantum Dots in Monolayer of Molybdenum Disulfide MoS$$_2$$

Nanomechanical pumping of Cooper pairs through NS junction

We consider a system consisting of a single-level quantum dot that performs mechanical periodic oscillations between spatially distant normal and superconducting electrodes, approaching them at a distance that allows the exchange of electrons through the vacuum tunnel barrier. Considering that the distance between the electrodes is much greater than the tunneling length, we show that charge pumping occurs in such a nanosystem even when the electrochemical potentials of the electrodes coincide. In this case, the direction of the electron flow is determined by the position of the quantum dot level relative to the electrochemical potential in bulk electrodes. The latter can be controlled by applying a voltage between the ground and the electrodes. It is also shown that the value of the average current is critically sensitive to the strength of the tunnel coupling between the quantum dot and the superconducting electrode, which, in turn, is controlled by the amplitude of mechanical oscillations.

Double quantum dots in atomically-precise graphene nanoribbons

Bottom-up synthesized graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are precise quantum materials, offering a high degree of tunability of their physical properties. While field-effect transistors and single quantum dot (QD) devices have been reported, the fabrication of double QD devices using GNRs remains challenging due to their nanometer-scale dimensions. In this study, we present a multi-gate double QD device based on atomically precise GNRs that are contacted by a pair of single-walled carbon nanotube electrodes. At low temperatures, the device can be tuned with multiple gates and reveals triangular features characteristic for charge transport through a double QD system. From these features, the QD level spacing, as well as the interdot tunnel coupling and lead-dot tunnel couplings are extracted. Double QD systems serve as essential building blocks for developing different types of qubits based on atomically precise GNRs.

Monomer-mixed hole transport layers for improving hole injection of quantum dot light-emitting diodes.

Quantum-dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) are promising components for next-generation displays and related applications. However, their performance is critically limited by inherent hole-injection barrier caused by deep highest-occupied molecular orbital levels of quantum dots. Herein, we present an effective method for enhancing the performance of QLEDs by incorporating a monomer (TCTA or mCP) into hole-transport layers (HTL). The impact of different monomer concentrations on the characteristics of QLEDs were investigated. The results indicate that sufficient monomer concentrations improve the current efficiency and power efficiency. The increased hole current using monomer-mixed HTL suggests that our method holds considerable potential for high-performance QLEDs.

Effect of inhomogeneous gap on energy levels in graphene magnetic quantum dots

We study the energy levels of fermions magnetically confined in graphene through an electrostatic potential and an inhomogeneous gap, including Δ2 inside and Δ1 outside of the generated quantum dots. Our findings illustrate that the energy levels exhibit either symmetric or asymmetric behavior, contingent upon the signs of τ and the quantum angular momentum number m. It is discovered that Δ1 acts by breaking the symmetry and generating a new set of energies.

Application of Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and Spectroscopy in the Studies of Colloidal Quantum Qots.

Colloidal quantum dots display remarkable optical and electrical characteristics with the potential for extensive applications in contemporary nanotechnology. As an ideal instrument for examining surface topography and local density of states (LDOS) at an atomic scale, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) has become indispensable approaches to gain better understanding of their physical properties. This article presents a comprehensive review of the research advancements in measuring the electronic orbits and corresponding energy levels of colloidal quantum dots in various systems using STM and STS. The first three sections introduce the basic principles of colloidal quantum dots synthesis and the fundamental methodology of STM research on quantum dots. The fourth section explores the latest progress in the application of STM for colloidal quantum dot studies. Finally, a summary and prospective is presented.

Quantum dots TiO2 loaded amorphous SiO2 composite photocatalysts: Significant performance enhancement and the effect of SiO2 surface hydroxyl groups

Using amorphous SiO2 (A-SiO2) and tetrabutyl titanate (TBOT) as raw material, a composite photocatalyst with surface loaded quantum dot size TiO2 (A-SiO2/TiO2, AST) was prepared. The degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride as well as mechanism of performance improvement by A-SiO2 were investigated. The TiO2 on the composite was anatase with a content of 9.96 wt% and a size of 7–8 nm (quantum dot level). TiO2 was uniformly distributed and was closely bonded at the interface by chemical bonds. The degradation rate of AST was 95% after 60 min UV exposure, which was comparable to pure nano-TiO2. The particle size of TiO2 in AST was reduced from 20–50 nm to 7–8 nm comparing with pure nano-TiO2 and changed from a highly agglomerated to a well-dispersed state due to abundant hydroxyl groups on A-SiO2 surface. TiO2 bandgap width increased from 3.25 eV to 3.39 eV. These led to the exposing of active sites on TiO2 and significantly increased photogenerated carrier separation efficiency. This study provides a feasible and simple method to improve TiO2 nanoparticles’ photocatalytic activity, reduce the usage and achieve recycling to cut the application cost by surface coated.

Internal Interactions within the Complex Type-II Heterojunction of a Graphitic Carbon Nitride/Black Phosphorus Hybrid Decorated with Graphene Quantum Dots: Implications for Photooxidation Performance

In this study, Fermi levels of graphitic carbon nitride (CN), black phosphorus (BP), and graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were rationally combined and tuned through a band engineering approach. The structure–activity relationship of the resulting heterojunction was characterized by using a combination of X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. The results revealed that CN and BP were in contact through the formed P–N bridges, while the polar functional groups of GQDs interacted with BP and CN via P–O and N–O interactions, respectively. The superior degradation efficiency is attributed to the synergistic effect of the strong coupling at the interfaces where GQDs@CNBP was tested in removal of organic pollutants [methyl orange (MO) and tetracycline (TC)]. The degradation intermediates in both cases were enlightened by NMR experiments showing no trace of either pollutant or photocatalyst in wastewater. The photogenerated charge migration mechanism was experimentally elucidated as a complex-type-II, which is based on the usage of the farthest charges on the band edges. Scavenger experiments and photooxidation of glucose confirmed the in situ generation of oxidative species of •O2–, H2O2, and •OH, which played a vital role in the photooxidation reactions. A GQDs@CNBP heterojunction with the kinetic rate constants of 0.1415 min–1 (30 min) for MO and 0.0371 min–1 (120 min) for TC is one of the highest kinetics that has been reported in the literature so far.