Applications

Abstract

Interest in anisotropic 1D and 2D nanostructures has been steadily increasing due to their large surface area, quantum confinement effect, and superior optoelectrical or thermoelectrical properties. Anisotropic geometry and size reduction comparable to the Debye length can alter the optical, electric, and magnetic properties of the bulk counterparts. Focusing on MCs prepared in solution phases, the major interests for practical applications are thermoelectric power generation or electronic device cooling, high performance electrodes for batteries, nanocrystal-based photovoltaic devices, and photodetectors. Recently, new potential uses of the solution-based MC nanocrystals are being investigated, which include localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). MC thin films prepared by the vacuum process have shown the possibilities as new class of materials such as topological insulator, semiconductor with a high electron mobility, and superconductor. Although the organic surfactants indispensable in solution chemistry diminish such superior physical properties, solution-based approach has large room to achieve such physical properties. This chapter will introduce recent advances in the practical applications of the anisotropic MC nanocrystals, and introduce briefly the potential applications.