Single-wall carbon nanohorns’ electrical characteristics

(a) TEM image of dahlia-shaped SWCNH bundles. Scale bar is 50 nm. (b) Raman spectra of SWCNHs, excited with a 532 nm laser. Credit: European Research Institute of Catalysis

Carbon nanohorns have interesting features for a range of applications. Despite its potential, the majority carrier type (electrons or holes) that determines this unique semiconductor’s electronic characteristics is poorly understood. Indirect measurements have produced inconsistent results.

We directly determine the main carrier type in single-wall carbon nanohorns by measuring thermopower. Using this direct method, we show that SWCNH films have a positive Seebeck coefficient, indicating they’re p-type semiconductors. Tuning the hole or electron concentrations of SWCNH layers with molecular electron acceptors and donors confirms this conclusion.

The results give a framework for monitoring and chemically adjusting the majority carrier type in this nanocarbon semiconductor. Journal of Materials Chemistry C published the paper.

Further information: Anna Zieleniewska et al, Elucidating the electronic properties of single-wall carbon nanohorns, Journal of Materials Chemistry C (2022). DOI: 10.1039/D2TC00179A

Source: European Research Institute of Catalysis