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Nanoparticles pp 13–51Cite as

Size Effects on Semiconductor Nanoparticles

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Abstract

This chapter addresses the fundamental concepts needed to understand the impact of size reduction on the electronic structure and optoelectronic properties of semiconductor nanostructures, with emphasis on quantum confinement effects. This effect is explained by two different approaches: the “top-down” and the “bottom-up”. Subsequently, a brief description of the optical properties of semiconductor nanocrystals is presented. This is followed by sections discussing the essential characteristics of nanocrystals consisting of two (or more) different semiconductors joined together by heterointerfaces (i.e., heteronanocrystals). Moreover, the essential differences between the impact of size reduction on semiconductors in comparison to metals and insulators is discussed. The chapter ends by briefly discussing the potential applications of semiconductor nanoparticles.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Rolf Koole, Esther Groeneveld, Daniel Vanmaekelbergh, Andries Meijerink & Celso de Mello Donegá

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  1. Rolf Koole
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  2. Esther Groeneveld
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  3. Daniel Vanmaekelbergh
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  4. Andries Meijerink
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  5. Celso de Mello Donegá
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Correspondence to Celso de Mello Donegá .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Celso de Mello Donegá

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Koole, R., Groeneveld, E., Vanmaekelbergh, D., Meijerink, A., de Mello Donegá, C. (2014). Size Effects on Semiconductor Nanoparticles. In: de Mello Donegá, C. (eds) Nanoparticles. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-44823-6_2

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