Hostname: page-component-8448b6f56d-qsmjn Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-25T03:44:42.279Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Radiation Degradation of Nanomaterials

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 February 2011

Ryne Raffaelle
Affiliation:
rprsps@rit.edu, Rochester Institute of Technology, 85 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY, 14623, United States
Cory D. Cress
Affiliation:
cory_cress@hotmail.com, United States
David M. Wilt
Affiliation:
david.wilt@grc.nasa.gov
Sheila G. Bailey
Affiliation:
sheila.bailey@grc.nasa.gov
Get access

Abstract

We have been developing a variety of nanomaterials for their use in power devices. An example of this is our use of both single wall carbon nanotubes and several varieties of semiconducting quantum dots (e.g., CuInS2, CdSe, InAs) for use in space solar cells. The ability of these materials to withstand the rigors of the space radiation environment will be essential for this intended application. In addition, we have also been developing both nanostructure III-V devices and radioluminescent quantum dots for use in radioisotope batteries. In this application these nanomaterials are subjected to an extremely high radiation level. Their degradation rate will be the key to determining the ultimate lifetime of these power supplies, which in principle can have an energy density that is orders of magnitude higher than any conventional battery chemistry. The nanomaterials included in this study were subjected to alpha particles fluences and the degradation in various properties were monitored using different analytical techniques. Specifically, the radioluminescence of the quantum dot intended for use in the radioisotope batteries was monitored as a function of fluence. In the case of the III-V quantum dots, their photoluminescent degradation as a function of fluence was measured in comparison to the bulk substrate on which the quantum dots were grown. Finally for the carbon nanotubes, relative intensities of the Raman peaks associated with their inherent vibrational modes was used to monitor the effects of the alpha radiation damage. Results on the radiation tolerance of these nanomaterials and its implication with regard to their ultimately utility in power devices are presented.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2006

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

[1] Raffaelle, R. P., Landi, B.J., Harris, J.D., Bailey, S.G., Hepp, A.F., Mat. Sci. Eng. B, B116, 233 (2005).Google Scholar
[2] Landi, B.J., Castro, S.L., Ruf, H.J., Evans, C.M., Bailey, S.G., and Raffaelle, R.P., Sol. Energy Mater. Sol. Cells. 87, 733746 (2005).Google Scholar
[3] Castro, S., Bailey, S., Raffaelle, R.P., Banger, K., and Hepp, A., J. Phys. Chem. B, 108, 1242912435, (2004).Google Scholar
[4] Bailey, S.G., Wilt, D.M., Castro, S.L., Cress, C. and Raffaelle, R.P., IEEE Photovoltaics Specialists Conference, Orlando, FL (2005).Google Scholar
[5] Raffaelle, R.P., Castro, S.L., Hepp, A.F., and Bailey, S.G., Prog. in Photovolt., 10, 1 (2002).Google Scholar
[6] Dai, H., Surf. Sci. 500, 218241 (2002).Google Scholar
[7] Luque, A., Phys. Rev. Lett., 78, 26 (1997).Google Scholar
[8] Leon, R., Appl. Phys. Lett. 76, 15 (2000)Google Scholar
[9] Marcinkevicius, S., Phys. Rev. B. 66, 235214 (2002).Google Scholar
[10] Kamprchum, S., Kiravittaya, S., Songmuang, R., Thainoi, S., Kanjanchuchai, S., Sawadsaringkam, M., and Panyakeow, S., IEEE Photovoltaics Specialists Conference, New Orleans, LA, May 20–24 (2002).Google Scholar
[11] Petroff, P.M. and DenBaars, S.P., Superlattice Microstructures, 15, 15 (1994).Google Scholar
[12] Landi, B.J., Raffaelle, R.P., Castro, S.L., Bailey, S.G., Prog. in Photovolt 13, 18 (2005).Google Scholar