U.S. patent application number 13/118020 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-13 for electronic grade metal nanostructures.
This patent application is currently assigned to NANOSYS, INC.. Invention is credited to Paul Bernatis, Joel Gamoras, Chao Liu, J. Wallace Parce, Srikanth Ranganathan.
Application Number | 20110251295 13/118020 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37772210 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110251295 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ranganathan; Srikanth ; et
al. |
October 13, 2011 |
Electronic Grade Metal Nanostructures
Abstract
Methods for producing electronic grade metal nanostructures
having low levels of contaminants are provided. Monolayer arrays,
populations, and devices including such electronic grade
nanostructures are described. In addition, novel methods and
compositions for production of Group 10 metal nanostructures and
for production of ruthenium nanostructures are provided, along with
methods for recovering nanostructures from suspension.
Inventors: |
Ranganathan; Srikanth;
(Mountain View, CA) ; Bernatis; Paul; (Hayward,
CA) ; Gamoras; Joel; (Vallejo, CA) ; Liu;
Chao; (San Jose, CA) ; Parce; J. Wallace;
(Palo Alto, CA) |
Assignee: |
NANOSYS, INC.
Palo Alto
CA
|
Family ID: |
37772210 |
Appl. No.: |
13/118020 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11506769 |
Aug 18, 2006 |
7976646 |
|
|
13118020 |
|
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60709561 |
Aug 19, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
516/97 ;
252/182.33; 516/78; 977/774 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B82Y 30/00 20130101;
B22F 1/0018 20130101; B22F 9/24 20130101; Y10T 428/12014 20150115;
B82Y 10/00 20130101; B22F 1/0025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
516/97 ; 516/78;
252/182.33; 977/774 |
International
Class: |
C09K 3/00 20060101
C09K003/00 |
Claims
1. A population of colloidal metal nanostructures, which colloidal
nanostructures comprise a metal atom, wherein the metal atom is W,
Ta, Co, Mo, Ir, Re, Rh, Hf, Nb, Pt, Pd, or Ni, wherein in the
nanostructures a ratio of the metal atom to each of Fe and Na atoms
is greater than 5,000:1.
2. The population of claim 1, wherein in the nanostructures the
ratio of the metal atom to each of one or more, two or more, three
or more, four or more, five or more, or six or more atoms selected
from the group consisting of Cu, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, and K is
greater than 1,000:1.
3. The population of claim 1, wherein in the nanostructures the
ratio of the metal atom to each of Cu, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, and K is
greater than 1,000:1.
4. The population of claim 1, wherein in the nanostructures the
ratio of the metal atom to each of one or more atoms selected from
the group consisting of Cu, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, and K is greater
than 5,000:1.
5. The population of claim 4, wherein in the nanostructures the
ratio of the metal atom to each of two or more, three or more, four
or more, five or more, or six or more atoms selected from the group
consisting of Cu, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, and K is greater than
5,000:1.
6. The population of claim 4, wherein in the nanostructures the
ratio of the metal atom to each of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na,
and K is greater than 5,000:1.
7. The population of claim 1, wherein in the nanostructures the
ratio of the metal atom to each of one or more atoms selected from
the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is
greater than 10,000:1.
8. The population of claim 7, wherein in the nanostructures the
ratio of the metal atom to each of two or more, three or more, four
or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, or eight or more
atoms selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn,
Au, Na, and K is greater than 10,000:1.
9. The population of claim 7, wherein in the nanostructures the
ratio of the metal atom to each of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na,
and K is greater than 10,000:1.
10. The population of claim 1, wherein in the nanostructures the
ratio of the metal atom to each of one or more atoms selected from
the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is
greater than 100,000:1.
11. The population of claim 10, wherein in the nanostructures the
ratio of the metal atom to each of two or more, three or more, four
or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, or eight or more
atoms selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn,
Au, Na, and K is greater than 100,000:1.
12. The population of claim 10, wherein in the nanostructures the
ratio of the metal atom to each of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na,
and K is greater than 100,000:1.
13. The population of claim 10, wherein in the nanostructures the
ratio of the metal atom to Cu is greater than 100,000:1 and the
ratio of the metal atom to Fe is greater than 100,000:1.
14. The population of claim 10, wherein in the nanostructures the
ratio of the metal atom to Na is greater than 100,000:1.
15. The population of claim 10, wherein in the nanostructures the
ratio of the metal atom to K is greater than 100,000:1.
16. The population of claim 1, wherein in the nanostructures the
ratio of the metal atom to Fe is greater than 10,000:1, the ratio
of the metal atom to Zn is greater than 10,000:1, the ratio of the
metal atom to Cu is greater than 50,000:1, and the ratio of the
metal atom to K is greater than 50,000:1.
17. The population of claim 1, wherein the nanostructures comprise
substantially spherical nanocrystals or quantum dots.
18. A device comprising the population of claim 1.
19. The device of claim 18, wherein the device comprises a charge
storage device, a memory device, or a photovoltaic device.
20. The population of claim 1, wherein the nanostructures comprise
nanocrystals.
21. A monolayer array of colloidal metal nanostructures, which
colloidal nanostructures comprise a metal atom, wherein the metal
atom is W, Ta, Co, Mo, Ir, Re, Rh, Hf, Nb, Pd, Pt, or Ni, wherein a
density of the metal atom in the array is greater than
1.times.10.sup.15 atoms/cm.sup.2, and wherein a density in the
array of each of Fe and Na atoms is less than 1.times.10.sup.11
atoms/cm.sup.2.
22. The monolayer array of claim 21, wherein the density in the
array of each of one or more atoms selected from the group
consisting of Cu, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, and K is less than
1.times.10.sup.11 atoms/cm.sup.2.
23. The monolayer array of claim 21, wherein the density in the
array of each of two or more atoms selected from the group
consisting of Cu, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, and K is less than
1.times.10.sup.11 atoms/cm.sup.2.
24. The monolayer array of claim 21, wherein the density in the
array of each of three or more atoms selected from the group
consisting of Cu, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, and K is less than
1.times.10.sup.11 atoms/cm.sup.2.
25. The monolayer array of claim 21, wherein the density in the
array of each of four or more, five or more, or six or more atoms
selected from the group consisting of Cu, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, and K
is less than 1.times.10.sup.11 atoms/cm.sup.2.
26. The monolayer array of claim 21, wherein the density in the
array of each of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is less than
1.times.10.sup.11 atoms/cm.sup.2.
27. The monolayer array of claim 21, wherein Cu has a density in
the array of less than 1.times.10.sup.11 atoms/cm.sup.2.
28. The monolayer array of claim 21, wherein Cu has a density in
the array of less than 1.times.10.sup.11 atoms/cm.sup.2 and wherein
K has a density in the array of less than 1.times.10.sup.11
atoms/cm.sup.2.
29. The monolayer array of claim 21, wherein the density in the
array of each of one or more atoms selected from the group
consisting of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is less than
1.times.10.sup.10 atoms/cm.sup.2.
30. The monolayer array of claim 21, wherein the nanostructures
comprise substantially spherical nanocrystals or quantum dots.
31. The monolayer array of claim 21, wherein the array has a
density greater than about 1.times.10.sup.11
nanostructures/cm.sup.2 or greater than about 1.times.10.sup.12
nanostructures/cm.sup.2.
32. A device comprising the monolayer array of claim 21.
33. The device of claim 32, wherein the device comprises a charge
storage device, a memory device, or a photovoltaic device.
34. The monolayer array of claim 21, wherein the nanostructures
comprise nanocrystals.
35. A composition comprising a population of W, Ta, Co, Mo, Ir, Re,
Rh, Hf, Nb, Pd, Pt or Ni nanostructures, wherein the population
exhibits a standard deviation in diameter of the nanostructures
which is less than 30% of an average diameter of the
nanostructures, and wherein the W, Ta, Co, Mo, Ir, Re, Rh, Hf, Nb
Pd, Pt or Ni nanostructures have at most about 1 sodium atom per
5.times.10.sup.4 metal atoms.
36. The composition of claim 35, wherein the standard deviation is
less than 20% of the average diameter.
37. The composition of claim 35, wherein the nanostructures are
quantum dots.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a division of U.S. Ser. No. 11/506,769,
filed Aug. 18, 2006, which is a non-provisional utility patent
application claiming priority to and benefit of the following prior
provisional patent application: U.S. Ser. No. 60/709,561, filed
Aug. 19, 2005, entitled "ELECTRONIC GRADE METAL NANOSTRUCTURES" by
Srikanth Ranganathan et al., which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention pertains to the field of nanotechnology. More
particularly, the invention relates to methods for producing and
processing metal nanostructures, compositions useful in producing
metal nanostructures, and compositions including metal nano
structures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Metal nanostructures have uses ranging from catalysts and
adsorbents to components of various optoelectronic devices. The
properties of such nanostructures (e.g., their catalytic reactivity
or their electrical and optical properties) vary, e.g., depending
on their composition, size, and shape. Methods for simply and
reproducibly producing metal nanostructures, e.g., of different
sizes and/or shapes, are thus desirable. Methods for simply and
reproducibly producing metal nanostructures containing minimal
levels of undesirable contaminants are also desirable. Among other
aspects, the present invention provides such methods. A complete
understanding of the invention will be obtained upon review of the
following.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Methods for producing metal nanostructures having low levels
of contaminants are provided. Monolayer arrays and populations
including such nanostructures are described. Novel methods and
compositions for production of Group 10 metal nanostructures and
ruthenium nanostructures are also provided, along with methods for
recovering nanostructures from suspension.
[0005] A first general class of embodiments provides methods for
production of metal nanostructures. In the methods, a precursor
comprising a metal atom is provided and reacted to produce the
nanostructures. In the resulting nanostructures, a ratio of the
metal atom to each of one or more atoms selected from the group
consisting of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is greater than
1,000:1.
[0006] The metal atom can be essentially any desired metal atom. In
one class of embodiments, the metal atom is a Group 10 atom such as
Pd, Pt, or Ni, or is selected from the group consisting of W, Ru,
Ta, Co, Mo, Ir, Re, Rh, Hf, and Nb. The metal nanostructures can
thus be essentially any desired metal, including but not limited
to, Pd, Pt, Ni, W, Ru, Ta, co, Mo, Ir, Re, Rh, Hf, Nb, or an alloy
thereof. The metal atom is typically other than Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti,
Mn, Au, Na, or K.
[0007] In one class of embodiments, in the nanostructures the ratio
of the metal atom to each of two or more, three or more, four or
more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, or eight or more
atoms selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn,
Au, Na, and K can be greater than 1,000:1. Further, the ratio of
the metal atom to each of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is
optionally greater than 1,000:1.
[0008] The ratio of the metal atom to a given contaminant is
optionally greater than 1,000:1. For example, in one class of
embodiments, in the nanostructures the ratio of the metal atom to
each of one or more atoms (e.g., to each of two or more, three or
more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, or
eight or more atoms) selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe,
Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is greater than 5,000:1. Optionally,
the ratio of the metal atom to each of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au,
Na, and K is greater than 5,000:1 in the nanostructures. In another
class of embodiments, in the nanostructures the ratio of the metal
atom to each of one or more atoms (e.g., to each of two or more,
three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or
more, or eight or more atoms) selected from the group consisting of
Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is greater than 10,000:1. The
ratio of the metal atom to each of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na,
and K is optionally greater than 10,000:1. In yet another class of
embodiments, in the nanostructures the ratio of the metal atom to
each of one or more atoms (e.g., to each of two or more, three or
more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, or
eight or more atoms) selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe,
Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is greater than 100,000:1.
Optionally, the ratio of the metal atom to each of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn,
Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K in the nanostructures is greater than
100,000:1.
[0009] Essentially any desired combination of contaminating atoms
can be limited to essentially any desired level. Thus, in one
exemplary class of embodiments, in the nanostructures the ratio of
the metal atom to Cu is greater than 100,000:1 and the ratio of the
metal atom to Fe is greater than 100,000:1. Similarly, in an
exemplary class of embodiments, in the nanostructures the ratio of
the metal atom to Fe is greater than 10,000:1, the ratio of the
metal atom to Zn is greater than 10,000:1, the ratio of the metal
atom to Cu is greater than 50,000:1, and the ratio of the metal
atom to K is greater than 50,000:1. In one class of embodiments, in
the nanostructures the ratio of the metal atom to Na is greater
than 100,000:1. In certain embodiments, in the nanostructures the
ratio of the metal atom to K is greater than 100,000:1. Levels of
additional contaminating metals can be limited as desired. For
example, in one class of embodiments, the metal atom is Pd, and in
the Pd nanostructures a ratio of Pd to Ni is greater than 1,000:1,
greater than 5,000:1, greater than 10,000:1, greater than 50,000:1,
or greater than 100,000:1.
[0010] A variety of precursors and techniques for nanostructure
synthesis are known in the art and can be adapted to the practice
of the present invention. Exemplary precursors for synthesis of
Group 10 metal nanostructures include, but are not limited to,
precursors in which the Group 10 atom has an oxidation state of +2.
The Group 10 atom is optionally bonded to one or more oxygen atoms,
e.g., to one or more carboxylate or beta diketone moieties (for
example, one or more acetate, butyrate, or oxanilate moieties). In
one class of embodiments, the precursor is palladium (II) acetate.
Exemplary precursors for synthesis of ruthenium nanostructures
include, but are not limited to, ruthenium (III) acetylacetonate
and ruthenium chloride. The precursor is optionally reacted in the
presence of an oxidizing agent, a base, a carboxylate, or an
acetate (e.g. ammonium nitrate, nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide,
ammonium acetate, tetramethylammonium acetate, ammonium hydroxide,
or tetramethylammonium hydroxide) to produce the Ru
nanostructures.
[0011] To produce the nanostructures, the precursor can be reacted
in the presence of a surfactant, e.g., a phosphine, a thiol, or a
carboxylic acid. Similarly, the precursor is optionally reacted in
the presence of a non-coordinating solvent, e.g., an alkane or an
unreactive aromatic hydrocarbon.
[0012] To minimize the amount of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, K,
and/or other contaminants present in the resulting nanostructures,
the amount of these elements present in the precursor and in any
other reagents used in synthesizing and processing the
nanostructures is preferably minimized. Accordingly, in one class
of embodiments, the methods include determining an amount of one or
more of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K present in the
precursor, in a surfactant, in a non-coordinating solvent and/or in
any other reagent(s) used to synthesize or process the
nanostructures. Similarly, in one aspect, the methods include
determining an amount of one or more of the metal atom, Cu, Fe, Cr,
Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K present in the nanostructures.
[0013] The amount of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and/or K
present in the resulting nanostructures can also be minimized by
appropriate treatment of any glassware or other implements that
contact the reagents and/or nanostructures. Thus, in one class of
embodiments, the precursor is reacted in at least one reaction
vessel to produce the nanostructures, and the reaction vessel is
treated to minimize the amount of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na,
and/or K present in the reaction vessel prior to reacting the
precursor in the reaction vessel. For example, the reaction vessel
can be washed with acid to remove contaminating metals. Since Na
and other elements can leach out of borosilicate glass, levels of
some contaminants can be further reduced by using quartz glassware.
Thus, in one class of embodiments, the at least one reaction vessel
comprises quartz glass.
[0014] The resulting nanostructures (e.g., nanocrystals) can be of
essentially any size and/or shape, including, but not limited to,
substantially spherical nanocrystals (e.g., nanodots or quantum
dots), nanorods, or branched nanostructures (e.g., bipods, tripods,
or nanotetrapods).
[0015] A second general class of embodiments provides methods for
production of metal nanostructures. In the methods, a precursor and
a surfactant are provided. The precursor comprises a metal atom,
and the precursor comprises less than 1 ppm of each of one or more
atoms selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn,
Au, Na, and K. Similarly, the surfactant comprises less than 1 ppm
of each of one or more atoms selected from the group consisting of
Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K. The precursor is reacted in
the presence of the surfactant to produce the nanostructures.
[0016] The precursor and/or the surfactant optionally comprises
less than 1 ppm of each of two or more, three or more, four or
more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, or eight or more
atoms selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn,
Au, Na, and K. In one class of embodiments, the precursor and/or
the surfactant comprises less than 1 ppm of each of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn,
Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K.
[0017] The methods optionally include providing a non-coordinating
solvent, which non-coordinating solvent comprises less than 100 ppb
of each of one or more atoms selected from the group consisting of
Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K, and reacting the precursor
in the presence of the surfactant and the non-coordinating solvent
to produce the nanostructures. The methods optionally include
washing the nanostructures with at least one solvent. The at least
one solvent preferably comprises less than 100 ppb of each of one
or more atoms selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn,
Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K. In one class of embodiments, the methods
include determining an amount of one or more of the metal atom, Cu,
Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K present in the
nanostructures.
[0018] Essentially all of the features noted for the methods above
apply to these embodiments as well, as relevant; for example, with
respect to type of metal atom, nanostructures, precursor,
surfactant, and/or non-coordinating solvent, treatment and/or
composition of the reaction vessel, and/or the like.
[0019] Another general class of embodiments provides a population
of metal nanostructures. The nanostructures comprise a metal atom,
and, in the nanostructures, a ratio of the metal atom to each of
one or more atoms selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Cr,
Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is greater than 1,000:1.
[0020] Essentially all of the features noted for the methods above
apply to these embodiments as well, as relevant; for example, with
respect to type of metal atom, limits on contaminant levels and
number of contaminants limited, type of nanostructures, and/or the
like. The population of nanostructures is optionally included in a
device (e.g., a charge storage device, a memory device, or a
photovoltaic device).
[0021] Another general class of embodiments provides a monolayer
array of metal nanostructures. The nanostructures comprise a metal
atom, and a density of the metal atom in the array is greater than
1.times.10.sup.15 atoms/cm.sup.2. A density in the array of each of
one or more atoms selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Cr,
Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is less than 1.times.10.sup.11
atoms/cm.sup.2.
[0022] In one class of embodiments, the density in the array of
each of two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six
or more, seven or more, or eight or more atoms selected from the
group consisting of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is less
than 1.times.10.sup.11 atoms/cm.sup.2. Optionally, the density in
the array of each of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is less
than 1.times.10.sup.11 atoms/cm.sup.2.
[0023] The density of one or more contaminants in the array is
optionally even lower. For example, in one class of embodiments,
the density in the array of each of one or more atoms (e.g., two or
more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven
or more, or eight or more atoms) selected from the group consisting
of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is less than
1.times.10.sup.10 atoms/cm.sup.2. Optionally, the density of each
of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K in the array is less than
1.times.10.sup.10 atoms/cm.sup.2.
[0024] Essentially any desired combination of contaminating atoms
can be limited to essentially any desired level. Thus, in one
exemplary class of embodiments, the one or more atoms having a
density in the array of less than 1.times.10.sup.11 atoms/cm.sup.2
comprise Cu and Fe. In a similar exemplary class of embodiments,
the one or more atoms having a density in the array of less than
1.times.10.sup.11 atoms/cm.sup.2 comprise Na. Optionally, Cu has a
density in the array of less than 1.times.10.sup.11 atoms/cm.sup.2
and/or K has a density in the array of less than 1.times.10.sup.11
atoms/cm.sup.2. Levels of additional contaminating metals can be
limited as desired. For example, in one class of embodiments, the
metal atom is Pd and a density of Ni atoms in the array of Pd
nanostructures is less than 1.times.10.sup.11 atoms/cm.sup.2.
[0025] The nanostructures (e.g., nanocrystals) comprising the array
can be of essentially any size and/or shape, including, but not
limited to, substantially spherical nanocrystals (e.g., nanodots or
quantum dots), nanorods, or branched nanostructures (e.g., bipods,
tripods, or nanotetrapods). The array is typically a high density
array. Thus, in one class of embodiments, the array has a density
greater than about 1.times.10.sup.11 nanostructures/cm.sup.2 or
greater than about 1.times.10.sup.12 nanostructures/cm.sup.2.
[0026] Essentially all of the features noted for the embodiments
above apply to these embodiments as well, as relevant; for example,
with respect to type of metal atom, inclusion of the array in a
device, and/or the like.
[0027] Yet another general class of embodiments provides methods
for production of Group 10 metal nanostructures. In the methods, a
precursor comprising a Group 10 atom selected from the group
consisting of Pd, Pt, and Ni, wherein the Group 10 atom has an
oxidation state of +2 and is bonded to one or more oxygen atoms, is
provided. The precursor is reacted in the presence of a surfactant
and a non-coordinating solvent to produce the nanostructures. For
example, the precursor and the surfactant can be combined, and then
the precursor and the surfactant can be combined with the
non-coordinating solvent. Reaction of the precursor optionally
occurs without addition of an exogenous reducing agent.
[0028] As noted, the Group 10 atom in the precursor is bonded to
one or more oxygen atoms, e.g., to two oxygen atoms. Exemplary
precursors thus include precursors in which the Group 10 atom is
bonded to one or more carboxylate or beta diketone moieties (e.g.,
to an oxygen atom of the carboxylate or ketone moiety). For
example, the Group 10 atom can be bonded to one or more acetate,
butyrate, oxanilate, or acetylacetonate moieties (e.g., to two such
moieties). In one class of embodiments, the precursor is palladium
(II) acetate. In another class of embodiments, the precursor is
palladium (II) acetylacetonate.
[0029] The methods can be used to produce electronic grade
nanostructures having low levels of contaminants. Thus, in one
class of embodiments, in the nanostructures a ratio of the Group 10
atom to each of one or more atoms selected from the group
consisting of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is greater than
1,000:1. The methods optionally include determining an amount of
one or more of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K present in the
precursor, in the surfactant, and/or in the non-coordinating
solvent. Similarly, the methods can include determining an amount
of one or more of Pd, Pt, Ni, Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K
present in the nanostructures.
[0030] Essentially all of the features noted for the methods above
apply to these embodiments as well, as relevant; for example, with
respect to limits on contaminant levels and number of contaminants
limited, treatment and/or composition of the reaction vessel,
washing of the nanostructures, inclusion of the nanostructures in a
device, type of surfactant and non-coordinating solvent, and/or the
like. It is worth noting that the non-coordinating solvent is
optionally present in excess of the surfactant; for example, in one
class of embodiments, a volume of the non-coordinating solvent is
about ten or more times greater than a volume of the surfactant
(e.g., about 20 or more times greater).
[0031] Yet another general class of embodiments provides methods
for production of ruthenium nanostructures (e.g., nanocrystals). In
the methods, ruthenium (III) acetylacetonate is provided and
reacted to produce the nanostructures. An additive selected from
the group consisting of an oxidizing agent, a carboxylate, an
acetate, and a base is optionally provided, and the ruthenium (III)
acetylacetonate is reacted in the presence of the additive to
produce the nanostructures. Exemplary additives include, but are
not limited to, ammonium nitrate, nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide,
ammonium acetate, tetramethylammonium acetate, ammonium hydroxide,
and tetramethylammonium hydroxide. The resulting nanostructures
optionally have a narrow size distribution (e.g., a standard
deviation in diameter less than 30% of an average diameter of the
nanostructures) and/or have low levels of contaminants.
[0032] Essentially all of the features noted for the embodiments
above apply to these embodiments as well, as relevant; for example,
with respect to type of nanostructures, surfactant, and/or
non-coordinating solvent, purity of the nanostructures, and/or the
like.
[0033] Compositions produced by or useful in practicing the methods
are also a feature of the invention. Thus, one general class of
embodiments provides a composition including a precursor, a
surfactant, and a non-coordinating solvent. The precursor comprises
a Group 10 atom selected from the group consisting of Pd, Pt, and
Ni; the Group 10 atom has an oxidation state of +2 and is bonded to
one or more oxygen atoms. The composition optionally includes one
or more Group 10 metal nanostructures. Another general class of
embodiments provides a composition including ruthenium (III)
acetylacetonate and one or more ruthenium nanostructures. The
composition optionally includes an additive selected from the group
consisting of an oxidizing agent, a carboxylate, an acetate, and a
base. Yet another general class of embodiments provides a
composition comprising a population of ruthenium nanostructures
(e.g., Ru quantum dots), where the population exhibits a standard
deviation in diameter of the Ru nanostructures which is less than
30% (e.g., less than 20%) of an average diameter of the
nanostructures, and where the nanostructures are substantially free
of sodium.
[0034] Essentially all of the features noted for the embodiments
above apply to these embodiments as well, as relevant; for example,
with respect to type of nanostructures, precursor, additive,
surfactant, and/or non-coordinating solvent, purity of the
nanostructures, and/or the like.
[0035] Yet another general class of embodiments provides methods of
recovering nanostructures from suspension. In the methods, a first
solution comprising the nanostructures suspended in a solvent is
provided. A salt is added to the first solution to produce a second
solution, in which second solution the salt is dissolved in the
solvent. The nanostructures are separated from the solvent, for
example, by centrifuging the second solution at a selected
acceleration factor for a selected time.
[0036] Preferably, substantially all of the nanostructures are
recovered from solution. Thus, in one class of embodiments, at most
5% of the nanostructures remain in the solvent following
centrifugation of the second solution at the selected acceleration
factor for the selected time. Typically at least 60% of the
nanostructures remain in the solvent following centrifugation of
the first solution at the selected acceleration factor for the
selected time.
[0037] In one class of embodiments, the salt comprises a cation
selected from the group consisting of: NH.sub.4.sup.+, Cs.sup.+,
K.sup.+, Na.sup.+, Li.sup.+, Mg.sup.+, Ca.sup.+, Ba.sup.+, and a
phosphonium ion. In one class of embodiments, the salt comprises an
anion selected from the group consisting of: citrate, phosphate,
sulfate, acetate, chloride, nitrate, thiocyanate, carbonate, and
tetraphenylborate. Exemplary salts include ammonium carbonate,
ammonium acetate, and ammonium chloride. In certain embodiments, a
volatile salt such as ammonium carbonate or ammonium acetate is
preferred. The methods optionally include removing at least a
portion of any salt remaining associated with the nanostructures
after the centrifugation step, e.g., by volatilizing a volatile
salt. The nanostructures are optionally resuspended in fresh
solvent and the salt addition and centrifugation steps
repeated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates synthesis of palladium
nanostructures from palladium acetate.
[0039] FIG. 2 shows a transmission electron micrograph of palladium
nanocrystals.
[0040] FIG. 3 shows an electron micrograph of ruthenium
nanocrystals.
DEFINITIONS
[0041] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. The
following definitions supplement those in the art and are directed
to the current application and are not to be imputed to any related
or unrelated case, e.g., to any commonly owned patent or
application. Although any methods and materials similar or
equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice
for testing of the present invention, the preferred materials and
methods are described herein. Accordingly, the terminology used
herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments
only, and is not intended to be limiting.
[0042] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example,
reference to "a nanostructure" includes a plurality of such
nanostructures, and the like.
[0043] The term "about" as used herein indicates the value of a
given quantity varies by +/-10% of the value, or optionally +/-5%
of the value, or in some embodiments, by +/-1% of the value so
described.
[0044] Two atoms are "bonded to" each other when they share a
chemical bond, e.g., a covalent bond, a polar covalent bond, or an
ionic bond.
[0045] An "alkyl group" refers to a linear (n-alkyl), branched, or
cyclic saturated hydrocarbon moiety and includes all positional
isomers. Alkyl groups can be, e.g., substituted or
unsubstituted.
[0046] The term "aryl group" refers to a chemical substituent
comprising or consisting of an aromatic group. Exemplary aryl
groups include, e.g., phenyl groups, benzyl groups, tolyl groups,
xylyl groups, alkyl-aryl groups, or the like. Aryl groups
optionally include multiple aromatic rings (e.g., diphenyl groups,
etc.). The aryl group can be, e.g., substituted or unsubstituted.
In a "substituted aryl group", at least one hydrogen is replaced
with one or more other atoms.
[0047] The term "alkyl-aryl group" refers to a group that comprises
alkyl and aryl moieties.
[0048] A "ketone group" is a nonterminal carbonyl group. A ketone
has the formula R(CO)R', where R and R' are independent organic
groups. A "beta diketone moiety" contains two (or more) ketone
groups, where the two ketone groups are spaced one carbon
apart.
[0049] A "thiol" has the formula RSH, where R is an organic group.
Examples include, but are not limited to, an "alkyl thiol", in
which R is an alkyl group, an "aryl thiol", in which R is an aryl
group, or an "alkylaryl thiol", in which R is an alkylaryl
group.
[0050] A "phosphine" has the formula PRR'R'', where R, R', and R''
are independently an alkyl group, acyl group, aryl group (e.g.,
alkylaryl group), alkenyl group, alkynyl group, ester group,
hydrogen, halide, or the like.
[0051] A "tri-n-alkyl phosphine" has the formula PR.sub.3, where R
is an n-alkyl group.
[0052] A "tri-alkylaryl phosphine" has the formula PR.sub.3, where
R is an alkylaryl group.
[0053] A "heteroatom" refers to any atom which is not a carbon or
hydrogen atom. Examples include, but are not limited to, oxygen,
nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, and boron.
[0054] A "nanostructure" is a structure having at least one region
or characteristic dimension with a dimension of less than about 500
nm, e.g., less than about 200 nm, less than about 100 nm, less than
about 50 nm, or even less than about 20 nm. Typically, the region
or characteristic dimension will be along the smallest axis of the
structure. Examples of such structures include nanowires, nanorods,
nanotubes, branched nanostructures, nanotetrapods, tripods, bipods,
nanocrystals, nanodots, quantum dots, nanoparticles, and the like.
Nanostructures can be, e.g., substantially crystalline,
substantially monocrystalline, polycrystalline, amorphous, or a
combination thereof. In one aspect, each of the three dimensions of
the nanostructure has a dimension of less than about 500 nm, e.g.,
less than about 200 nm, less than about 100 nm, less than about 50
nm, or even less than about 20 nm.
[0055] An "aspect ratio" is the length of a first axis of a
nanostructure divided by the average of the lengths of the second
and third axes of the nanostructure, where the second and third
axes are the two axes whose lengths are most nearly equal each
other. For example, the aspect ratio for a perfect rod would be the
length of its long axis divided by the diameter of a cross-section
perpendicular to (normal to) the long axis.
[0056] As used herein, the "diameter" of a nanostructure refers to
the diameter of a cross-section normal to a first axis of the
nanostructure, where the first axis has the greatest difference in
length with respect to the second and third axes (the second and
third axes are the two axes whose lengths most nearly equal each
other). The first axis is not necessarily the longest axis of the
nanostructure; e.g., for a disk-shaped nanostructure, the
cross-section would be a substantially circular cross-section
normal to the short longitudinal axis of the disk. Where the
cross-section is not circular, the diameter is the average of the
major and minor axes of that cross-section. For an elongated or
high aspect ratio nanostructure, such as a nanowire or nanorod, a
diameter is typically measured across a cross-section perpendicular
to the longest axis of the nanowire or nanorod. For spherical
nanostructures such as quantum dots, the diameter is measured from
one side to the other through the center of the sphere.
[0057] The terms "crystalline" or "substantially crystalline," when
used with respect to nanostructures, refer to the fact that the
nanostructures typically exhibit long-range ordering across one or
more dimensions of the structure. It will be understood by one of
skill in the art that the term "long range ordering" will depend on
the absolute size of the specific nanostructures, as ordering for a
single crystal cannot extend beyond the boundaries of the crystal.
In this case, "long-range ordering" will mean substantial order
across at least the majority of the dimension of the nanostructure.
In some instances, a nanostructure can bear an oxide or other
coating, or can be comprised of a core and at least one shell. In
such instances it will be appreciated that the oxide, shell(s), or
other coating need not exhibit such ordering (e.g. it can be
amorphous, polycrystalline, or otherwise). In such instances, the
phrase "crystalline," "substantially crystalline," "substantially
monocrystalline," or "monocrystalline" refers to the central core
of the nanostructure (excluding the coating layers or shells). The
terms "crystalline" or "substantially crystalline" as used herein
are intended to also encompass structures comprising various
defects, stacking faults, atomic substitutions, and the like, as
long as the structure exhibits substantial long range ordering
(e.g., order over at least about 80% of the length of at least one
axis of the nanostructure or its core). In addition, it will be
appreciated that the interface between a core and the outside of a
nanostructure or between a core and an adjacent shell or between a
shell and a second adjacent shell may contain non-crystalline
regions and may even be amorphous. This does not prevent the
nanostructure from being crystalline or substantially crystalline
as defined herein.
[0058] The term "monocrystalline" when used with respect to a
nanostructure indicates that the nanostructure is substantially
crystalline and comprises substantially a single crystal. When used
with respect to a nanostructure heterostructure comprising a core
and one or more shells, "monocrystalline" indicates that the core
is substantially crystalline and comprises substantially a single
crystal.
[0059] A "nanocrystal" is a nanostructure that is substantially
monocrystalline. A nanocrystal thus has at least one region or
characteristic dimension with a dimension of less than about 500
nm, e.g., less than about 200 nm, less than about 100 nm, less than
about 50 nm, or even less than about 20 nm. The term "nanocrystal"
is intended to encompass substantially monocrystalline
nanostructures comprising various defects, stacking faults, atomic
substitutions, and the like, as well as substantially
monocrystalline nanostructures without such defects, faults, or
substitutions. In the case of nanocrystal heterostructures
comprising a core and one or more shells, the core of the
nanocrystal is typically substantially monocrystalline, but the
shell(s) need not be. In one aspect, each of the three dimensions
of the nanocrystal has a dimension of less than about 500 nm, e.g.,
less than about 200 nm, less than about 100 nm, less than about 50
nm, or even less than about 20 nm. Examples of nanocrystals
include, but are not limited to, substantially spherical
nanocrystals, branched nanocrystals, and substantially
monocrystalline nanowires, nanorods, nanodots, quantum dots,
nanotetrapods, tripods, bipods, and branched tetrapods (e.g.,
inorganic dendrimers).
[0060] A "substantially spherical nanocrystal" is a nanocrystal
with an aspect ratio between about 0.8 and about 1.2.
[0061] A "nanorod" is a nanostructure that has one principle axis
that is longer than the other two principle axes. Consequently, the
nanorod has an aspect ratio greater than one. Nanorods of this
invention typically have an aspect ratio between about 1.5 and
about 10, but can have an aspect ratio greater than about 10,
greater than about 20, greater than about 50, or greater than about
100, or even greater than about 10,000. Longer nanorods (e.g.,
those with an aspect ratio greater than about 10) are sometimes
referred to as nanowires. The diameter of a nanorod is typically
less than about 500 nm, preferably less than about 200 nm, more
preferably less than about 150 nm, and most preferably less than
about 100 nm, about 50 nm, or about 25 nm, or even less than about
10 nm or about 5 nm. Nanorods can have a variable diameter or can
have a substantially uniform diameter, that is, a diameter that
shows a variance less than about 20% (e.g., less than about 10%,
less than about 5%, or less than about 1%) over the region of
greatest variability. Nanorods are typically substantially
crystalline and/or substantially monocrystalline, but can be, e.g.,
polycrystalline or amorphous.
[0062] A "branched nanostructure" is a nanostructure having three
or more arms, where each arm has the characteristics of a nanorod,
or a nanostructure having two or more arms, each arm having the
characteristics of a nanorod and emanating from a central region
that has a crystal structure distinct from that of the arms.
Examples include, but are not limited to, bipods, tripods, and
nanotetrapods (tetrapods).
[0063] A "nanotetrapod" is a generally tetrahedral branched
nanostructure having four arms emanating from a central region or
core, where the angle between any two arms is approximately 109.5
degrees. Typically, the core has one crystal structure and the arms
have another crystal structure.
[0064] A "nanostructure array" is an assemblage of nanostructures.
The assemblage can be spatially ordered (an "ordered array") or
disordered (a "disordered array"). In a "monolayer array" of
nanostructures, the assemblage of nanostructures comprises a
monolayer.
[0065] A "precursor" in a nanostructure synthesis reaction is a
chemical substance (e.g., a compound or element) that reacts, e.g.,
with another precursor, and thereby contributes at least one atom
to the nanostructure produced by the reaction.
[0066] A "surfactant" is a molecule capable of interacting (whether
weakly or strongly) with one or more faces of a nanostructure
and/or with one or more precursors used in producing the
nanostructure.
[0067] A "non-coordinating solvent" is one that does not interact
with one or more faces of a nanostructure and/or with one or more
precursors used in producing the nanostructure. A typical weakly
binding surfactant comprises a heteroatom having a free (non-bonded
within the surfactant) pair of electrons, while a typical
non-coordinating solvent does not include such a heteroatom and
free pair of electrons.
[0068] An "oxidizing agent" is a substance that gains one or more
electrons in a redox chemical reaction.
[0069] A "base" is a substance that can act as a proton acceptor
and/or provide a hydroxyl ion.
[0070] A "carboxylate" is a salt or anion of a carboxylic acid.
Examples include, but are not limited to, an acetate and a
glycolate or other carboxylate product of diol oxidation.
[0071] A variety of additional terms are defined or otherwise
characterized herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0072] Methods for colloidal synthesis of metal nanostructures,
e.g., nanostructures comprising Group 10 metals such as palladium
(Pd) or platinum (Pt), have been described. Some of these methods
use a precursor containing a metal-oxygen bond, e.g.,
bis(acetylacetonato)palladium(II) (Pd(acac).sub.2, Kim et al.
(2003) "Synthesis of monodisperse palladium nanoparticles" Nano
Letters 3:1289-1291). Other methods involve reduction of a
halogen-containing metal compound such as H.sub.2PdCl.sub.4,
K.sub.2PtCl.sub.4, or H.sub.2PtCl.sub.6 (Yee et al. (1999)
One-phase synthesis of thiol-functionalized platinum nanoparticles"
Langmuir 15:4314-4316; Ingelsten et al. (2001) "Kinetics of the
formation of nano-sized platinum particles in water-in-oil
microemulsions" J Colloid Interface Science 241:104-111; Ahmadi et
al. (1996) "`Cubic` colloidal platinum nanoparticles" Chem Mater
8:1161-1163; and Ahmadi et al. (1996) "Shape-controlled synthesis
of colloidal platinum nanoparticles" Science 272:1924-1926). The
synthesis reactions typically include a surfactant such as
trioctylphosphine (TOP) or octadecanethiol and/or a polymer (see,
e.g., the references above, Son et al. (2004) "Facile synthesis of
various phosphine-stabilized monodisperse palladium nanoparticles
through understanding of coordination chemistry of the
nanoparticles" Nano Letters 4:1147-1151, and Thomas and Kulkarni
(2003) "From colloids to nanotechnology: Investigations of magic
nuclearity palladium nanocrystals" Curr Sci 85:1760-1766). However,
such colloidal synthesis methods can result in nanostructures that
include an unacceptably high level of contaminants. See, e.g.,
Magnusson et al. (1999) "Gold nanoparticles: Production, reshaping,
and thermal charging" J. Nanoparticles Res. 1:243-251.
[0073] Metal nanostructures for use in a variety of applications
preferably include a low level of contaminants. For example, metal
nanostructures to be incorporated into electronic devices
preferably include low levels of contaminants such as transition
metals that encourage electron-hole recombination in silicon and
metals that diffuse through insulators such as SiO.sub.2 at high
temperature, since such contaminants can decrease performance of
the resulting devices and/or can contaminate clean rooms in which
the devices are fabricated.
[0074] In one aspect, the present invention overcomes the above
noted difficulties by providing methods for producing metal
nanostructures containing very low levels of contaminants
Electronic grade nanostructures which contain only low levels of
contaminants are also described, as are arrays and devices
incorporating such nanostructures. In addition, novel methods and
compositions for production of Group 10 metal nanostructures and
for production of ruthenium nanostructures are provided, along with
methods for recovering nanostructures from suspension.
Synthesis of Electronic Grade Nanostructures
[0075] One aspect of the invention provides methods for
synthesizing nanostructures, in particular metal nanostructures,
that contain very low levels of other, contaminating metals. These
electronic grade nanostructures are suitable, for example, for
incorporation into any of a wide variety of electronic devices (or
for essentially any other application in which metal nanostructures
are desired). Due to their low contaminant levels, such electronic
grade nanostructures can be conveniently processed using
conventional semiconductor manufacturing technologies.
[0076] Thus, one general class of embodiments provides methods for
production of metal nanostructures. In the methods, a precursor
comprising a metal atom is provided and reacted to produce the
nanostructures. In the resulting nanostructures, a ratio of the
metal atom to each of one or more atoms selected from the group
consisting of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn),
titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), gold (Au), sodium (Na), and
potassium (K) is greater than 1,000:1.
[0077] The metal atom can be essentially any desired metal atom.
For example, the metal atom can be a metal useful in the
electronics industry, e.g., a metal that is acceptable for
processing in clean rooms, has a desirable work function, is
capable of forming good electrical contacts with semiconductors,
and/or the like. In one class of embodiments, the metal atom is a
Group 10 atom such as palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), or nickel
(Ni), or is selected from the group consisting of tungsten (W),
ruthenium (Ru), tantalum (Ta), cobalt (Co), molybdenum (Mo),
iridium (Ir), rhenium (Re), rhodium (Rh), hafnium (Hf), and niobium
(Nb). The metal atom is typically other than Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti,
Mn, Au, Na, or K, and is optionally other than magnesium (Mg),
lithium (Li), aluminum (Al), or gallium (Ga).
[0078] As noted above, in the nanostructures a ratio of the metal
atom to each of one or more atoms selected from the group
consisting of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is greater than
1,000:1. In one class of embodiments, the amount of any one of the
listed metals in the nanostructures is small. Alternatively, levels
of more than one contaminant are limited in the nanostructures.
Thus, for example, in the nanostructures the ratio of the metal
atom to each of two or more, three or more, four or more, five or
more, six or more, seven or more, or eight or more atoms selected
from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K
can be greater than 1,000:1. As just a few examples, the ratio of
the metal atom to each of Cu and K, each of Cu, Au, Na, and K, each
of Cu, K, Fe, and Zn, or each of Cu, K, Au, Na, Fe, and Zn can be
greater than 1,000:1. Further, the ratio of the metal atom to each
of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is optionally greater than
1,000:1.
[0079] The ratio of the metal atom to a given contaminant is
optionally greater than 1,000:1. For example, in one class of
embodiments, in the nanostructures the ratio of the metal atom to
each of one or more atoms (e.g., to each of two or more, three or
more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, or
eight or more atoms) selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe,
Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is greater than 5,000:1. Optionally,
for example, the ratio of the metal atom to each of Cu and K, each
of Cu, Au, Na, and K, each of Cu, K, Fe, and Zn, or each of Cu, K,
Au, Na, Fe, and Zn is greater than 5,000:1. Optionally, the ratio
of the metal atom to each of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K
is greater than 5,000:1 in the nanostructures. In another class of
embodiments, in the nanostructures the ratio of the metal atom to
each of one or more atoms (e.g., to each of two or more, three or
more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, or
eight or more atoms) selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe,
Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is greater than 10,000:1. As just a
few examples, the ratio of the metal atom to each of Cu and K, each
of Cu, Au, Na, and K, each of Cu, K, Fe, and Zn, or each of Cu, K,
Au, Na, Fe, and Zn can be greater than 10,000:1. The ratio of the
metal atom to each of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is
optionally greater than 10,000:1. In another class of embodiments,
in the nanostructures the ratio of the metal atom to each of one or
more atoms (e.g., to each of two or more, three or more, four or
more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, or eight or more
atoms) selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti,
Mn, Au, Na, and K is greater than 50,000:1. For example, the ratio
of the metal atom to each of Cu and K, each of Cu, Au, Na, and K,
each of Cu, K, Fe, and Zn, or each of Cu, K, Au, Na, Fe, and Zn is
optionally greater than 50,000:1. Optionally, in the nanostructures
the ratio of the metal atom to each of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au,
Na, and K is greater than 50,000:1. In yet another class of
embodiments, in the nanostructures the ratio of the metal atom to
each of one or more atoms (e.g., to each of two or more, three or
more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, or
eight or more atoms) selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe,
Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is greater than 100,000:1. For
example, the ratio of the metal atom to each of Cu and K, each of
Cu, Au, Na, and K, each of Cu, K, Fe, and Zn, or each of Cu, K, Au,
Na, Fe, and Zn is optionally greater than 100,000:1. Optionally,
the ratio of the metal atom to each of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au,
Na, and K in the nanostructures is greater than 100,000:1. In some
embodiments, the ratio of the metal atom to one or more of the
contaminants is greater than 200,000:1 or even greater than
400,000:1.
[0080] Essentially any desired combination of contaminating atoms
can be limited to essentially any desired level. Thus, in one
exemplary class of embodiments, the ratio of the metal atom to each
of two or more of the listed contaminants is greater than
100,000:1, and the two or more contaminants comprise Cu and Fe.
Thus, in this class of embodiments, in the nanostructures the ratio
of the metal atom to Cu is greater than 100,000:1 and the ratio of
the metal atom to Fe is greater than 100,000:1. Similarly, in an
exemplary class of embodiments, the ratio of the metal atom to each
of one or more of the listed contaminants is greater than
100,000:1, and the one or more contaminants comprise Na. Thus, in
this class of embodiments, in the nanostructures the ratio of the
metal atom to Na is greater than 100,000:1. In one class of
embodiments, the ratio of the metal atom to K is greater than
100,000:1. As yet another example, the ratio of the metal atom to
each of Cu, Fe, and Na can be greater than 100,000:1. In one class
of embodiments, in the nanostructures the ratio of the metal atom
to Fe is greater than 10,000:1, the ratio of the metal atom to Zn
is greater than 10,000:1, the ratio of the metal atom to Cu is
greater than 50,000:1, and the ratio of the metal atom to K is
greater than 50,000:1 (e.g., greater than 100,000:1).
[0081] Levels of additional contaminating metals can be limited as
desired. For example, in one class of embodiments, the metal atom
is Pd, and in the Pd nanostructures a ratio of Pd to Ni is greater
than 1,000:1, greater than 5,000:1, greater than 10,000:1, greater
than 50,000:1, or greater than 100,000:1. Similarly, in another
class of embodiments, the metal atom is Pd, and in the Pd
nanostructures a ratio of Pd to Co is greater than 1,000:1, greater
than 5,000:1, greater than 10,000:1, greater than 50,000:1, or
greater than 100,000:1.
[0082] A variety of precursors and techniques for nanostructure
synthesis are known in the art and can be adapted to the practice
of the present invention. For example, exemplary precursors for
synthesis of Group 10 metal nanostructures are described herein, in
the section entitled "Synthesis of Group 10 nanostructures."
Additional precursors for synthesis of Group 10 metal
nanostructures are described in references herein and in U.S.
patent application 60/637,409 filed Dec. 16, 2004 by Jeffery A.
Whiteford, et al. entitled "Process for group 10 metal
nanostructure synthesis and compositions made using same" and
references therein or are known in the art (see, e.g., Bock et al.
(2004) "Size-selected synthesis of PtRu nano-catalysts: reaction
and size control mechanism" J. Am. Chem. Soc. 126:8028-8037). As
another example, exemplary precursors for synthesis of ruthenium
nanostructures are described herein, in the section entitled
"Synthesis of ruthenium nanostructures." More than one precursor is
optionally employed in the reaction. It will be evident that the
methods for production of metal nanostructures are not restricted
to use of any particular class of precursors; any of the wide
variety of precursors known in the art, including, but not limited
to, precursors in which the metal atom has an oxidation state from
0 to +7 (e.g., an oxidation state of 0, +2, +3, or +4), can be
employed in the methods.
[0083] A number of parameters can influence nanostructure growth
and can be manipulated, independently or in combination, to control
the size and/or shape distribution of the resulting nanostructures.
These include, e.g., temperature (e.g., of nanostructure nucleation
and/or growth), precursor composition, time-dependent precursor
concentration, surfactant composition, surfactant concentration,
number of surfactants, and ratio of surfactant(s) to each other
and/or to the precursors. For example, precursor concentration can
be adjusted to influence the shape of the nanostructures produced,
e.g., by increasing or decreasing the amount of precursor initially
provided, by introducing additional fresh precursor as the reaction
progresses, or the like. As another example, the temperature can be
controlled to control the shape and/or size distribution of the
resulting nanostructures; e.g., nanostructure growth can be
nucleated at a first, nucleation temperature and continued at a
second, growth temperature.
[0084] As noted above, to produce the nanostructures, the precursor
can be reacted in the presence of a surfactant (including, e.g., a
mixture of two or more surfactants). The surfactant can, for
example, assist in controlling shape and/or size of the resulting
nanostructures, maintain solubility and decrease aggregation of the
nanostructures, and/or the like. The precursor is optionally
reacted in the presence of a non-coordinating solvent (including,
e.g., a mixture of two or more non-coordinating solvents). In one
class of embodiments, the precursor is reacted in the presence of a
surfactant and a non-coordinating solvent. For example, the
precursor can be combined with the surfactant, and then mixed with
the non-coordinating solvent. (See, e.g., the exemplary reaction of
palladium acetate in the presence of TOP and octadecane to form
palladium nanostructures that is schematically illustrated in FIG.
1.) Exemplary surfactants and non-coordinating solvents are
described below, in the section entitled "Surfactants and
non-coordinating solvents."
[0085] To minimize the amount of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, K,
and/or other contaminants present in the resulting nanostructures,
the amount of these elements present in the precursor and in any
other reagents used in synthesizing and processing the
nanostructures is preferably minimized Accordingly, in one class of
embodiments, the methods include determining an amount of one or
more of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K present in the
precursor, in a surfactant, in a non-coordinating solvent and/or in
any other reagent(s) used to synthesize or process the
nanostructures (e.g., a solvent used to wash or precipitate the
nanostructures, e.g., as described in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/933,827 filed Sep. 2, 2004 by Erik Scher, et al., entitled
"Methods of processing nanocrystals, and compositions, devices and
systems including same"). It will be evident that acceptable limits
for the various contaminants in a precursor, surfactant,
non-coordinating solvent, or other reagent will vary depending on
the synthesis scheme, desired limit of the contaminant in the
resulting nanostructures, and/or the like. Typically, however,
commercially available electronic grade solvents having less than
100 ppb of each of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and/or K (or
less than 50 ppb or even less than 10 ppb) are suitable for use.
High-quality precursors and surfactants can be purchased or
synthesized, and/or reagents can be purified as necessary (e.g., by
distillation or crystallization). The methods optionally include
verifying that the amount of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and/or
K determined to be in the precursor, surfactant, and/or
non-coordinating solvent is below a predetermined limit (e.g., is
less than 10 ppm, less than 1 ppm, less than 100 ppb, less than 50
ppb, or even less than 10 ppb). Manipulations can be performed,
e.g., in a glove box dedicated to electronic grade materials work
and uncontaminated by extraneous metals, using Schlenk techniques,
and/or the like. Materials (e.g., reagents used in the synthesis)
optionally contact only plastic, Teflon.RTM.
(polytetrafluoroethylene), and/or acid-washed glassware.
[0086] Similarly, in one aspect, the methods include determining an
amount of one or more of the metal atom, Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn,
Au, Na, and K present in the nanostructures. Reagents (e.g.,
precursors, surfactants, and solvents) and/or nanostructures can be
analyzed for the presence of various elements by any of a variety
of techniques known in the art. Exemplary techniques include, but
are not limited to, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
(ICP-MS, e.g., for detection of any given metal atom(s)), total
reflection x-ray fluorescence (TXRF, e.g., for detection of metals
other than Na or K), surface secondary ion mass spectrometry
(surface SIMS, e.g., for detection of Na or K), and inductively
coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES).
[0087] The amount of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and/or K
present in the resulting nanostructures can also be minimized by
appropriate treatment of any glassware or other implements that
contact the reagents and/or nanostructures. Thus, in one class of
embodiments, the precursor is reacted in at least one reaction
vessel to produce the nanostructures, and the reaction vessel is
treated to minimize the amount of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na,
and/or K present in the reaction vessel prior to reacting the
precursor in the reaction vessel. For example, the reaction vessel
can be washed with acid (e.g., with aqua regia, as is well known in
the art) to remove contaminating metals. Since Na and other
elements can leach out of borosilicate glass, levels of some
contaminants can be further reduced by using quartz glassware.
Thus, in one class of embodiments, the at least one reaction vessel
comprises quartz glass.
[0088] The resulting nanostructures (e.g., nanocrystals) can be of
essentially any size and/or shape, including, but not limited to,
substantially spherical nanocrystals (e.g., nanodots or quantum
dots), nanorods, or branched nanostructures (e.g., bipods, tripods,
or nanotetrapods). The methods optionally include incorporating the
nanostructures into a nanocomposite, a monolayer array, and/or a
device, including, but not limited to, a charge storage device, a
memory device (e.g., a flash memory device), or a photovoltaic
device (e.g., a recombination layer in a multilayer photovoltaic
device); see, e.g., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/656,916
filed Sep. 4, 2003 by Mihai Buretea et al. entitled
"Nanocomposites", U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/148,001 filed
Jun. 7, 2005 by David L. Heald, et al. entitled "Methods and
devices for forming nanostructure monolayers and devices including
such monolayers", U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/778,009 filed
Feb. 11, 2004 by Erik Scher et al. entitled "Nanostructure and
nanocomposite based compositions and photovoltaic devices", and
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/018,572 by Xiangfeng Duan et
al. filed Dec. 21, 2004 entitled "Nano-enabled memory devices and
anisotropic charge carrying arrays."
[0089] As described above, nanostructures having low levels of
contaminants can be produced by synthesizing the nanostructures
from precursors having low levels of contaminants, in the presence
of surfactants, solvents, and the like also containing few
contaminants. Accordingly, a second general class of embodiments
provides methods for production of metal nanostructures. In the
methods, a precursor and a surfactant are provided. The precursor
comprises a metal atom, and the precursor comprises less than 1
part per million (ppm) (e.g., less than 100 parts per billion
(ppb)) of each of one or more atoms selected from the group
consisting of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K. Similarly, the
surfactant comprises less than 1 ppm (e.g., less than 100 ppb) of
each of one or more atoms selected from the group consisting of Cu,
Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K. The precursor is reacted in the
presence of the surfactant to produce the nanostructures.
[0090] The precursor and/or the surfactant optionally comprises
less than 1 ppm (e.g., less than 100 ppb) of each of two or more,
three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or
more, or eight or more atoms selected from the group consisting of
Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K. In one class of embodiments,
the precursor and/or the surfactant comprises less than 1 ppm
(e.g., less than 100 ppb) of each of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au,
Na, and K. The amount of contaminating metal(s) in the precursor
and/or surfactant can be determined, e.g., by the techniques
described above, for the precursor or surfactant in its purest
available form (e.g., as purchased, synthesized, distilled, and/or
crystallized) prior to its addition to the nanostructure synthesis
reaction.
[0091] The methods optionally include providing a non-coordinating
solvent, which non-coordinating solvent comprises less than 100 ppb
(e.g., less than 10 ppb) of each of one or more atoms selected from
the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K, and
reacting the precursor in the presence of the surfactant and the
non-coordinating solvent to produce the nanostructures. The
non-coordinating solvent optionally includes less than 100 ppb of
each of two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six
or more, seven or more, or eight or more atoms selected from the
group consisting of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K, or even
less than 100 ppb of each of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and
K.
[0092] Essentially all of the features noted for the methods above
apply to these embodiments as well, as relevant; for example, with
respect to type of metal atom, nanostructures, precursor,
surfactant, and/or non-coordinating solvent, treatment and/or
composition of the reaction vessel, and/or the like.
[0093] It is worth noting that the methods optionally include
washing the nanostructures with at least one solvent. The at least
one solvent preferably comprises less than 100 ppb (e.g., less than
50 ppb or less than 10 ppb) of each of one or more atoms selected
from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K.
The solvent optionally includes less than 100 ppb of each of two or
more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven
or more, or eight or more atoms selected from the group consisting
of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K, or even less than 100 ppb
of each of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K. In one class of
embodiments, the methods include determining an amount of one or
more of the metal atom, Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K
present in the nanostructures. The methods optionally include
incorporating the nanostructures into a nanocomposite, an array
(e.g., a monolayer array), and/or a device, as described above.
Nanostructures and Related Compositions and Devices
[0094] Nanostructures produced and/or processed by any of the
methods of the invention form another feature of the invention. As
noted, such nanostructures can be, e.g., nanocrystals,
substantially spherical nanocrystals, nanorods, branched
nanostructures, and/or nanotetrapods, or essentially any other type
of nanostructure. Compositions and devices including such
nanostructures are also features of the invention.
[0095] One general class of embodiments provides a population of
metal nanostructures. The nanostructures comprise a metal atom,
and, in the nanostructures, a ratio of the metal atom to each of
one or more atoms selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Cr,
Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is greater than 1,000:1.
[0096] Essentially all of the features noted for the methods above
apply to these embodiments as well, as relevant; for example, with
respect to type of metal atom, limits on contaminant levels and
number of contaminants limited, type of nanostructures, and/or the
like. The nanostructures can be of essentially any size. In one
exemplary class of embodiments, the average diameter is less than
10.0 nm, and is optionally less than 5.0 nm or even less than 4.0
nm. Similarly, the nanostructures can be of essentially any shape.
In one preferred class of embodiments, the nanostructures are
substantially spherical. A population of nanostructures typically
includes at least 10 nanostructures, and more typically includes at
least 100, at least 10.sup.3, at least 10.sup.4, at least 10.sup.5,
at least 10.sup.10, or at least 10.sup.15 or more nanostructures.
The population of nanostructures is optionally dispersed in at
least one solvent, disposed on a solid support, formed into an
array (e.g., a monolayer array), included in a composition
comprising other (metal or non-metal) nanostructures, included in a
nanocomposite, and/or included in a device (e.g., a charge storage
device, a memory device, or a photovoltaic device).
[0097] Another general class of embodiments provides a monolayer
array of metal nanostructures. The nanostructures comprise a metal
atom, and a density of the metal atom in the array is greater than
1.times.10.sup.15 atoms/cm.sup.2 (e.g., 2-4.times.10.sup.15
atoms/cm.sup.2 or more). A density in the array of each of one or
more atoms selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn,
Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is less than 1.times.10.sup.11
atoms/cm.sup.2.
[0098] In one class of embodiments, the amount of any one of Cu,
Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is less than 1.times.10.sup.11
atoms/cm.sup.2. Alternatively, the levels of more than one
contaminant can be limited in the array. Thus, for example, in one
class of embodiments, the density in the array of each of two or
more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven
or more, or eight or more atoms selected from the group consisting
of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is less than
1.times.10.sup.11 atoms/cm.sup.2. Optionally, the density in the
array of each of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is less than
1.times.10.sup.11 atoms/cm.sup.2.
[0099] The density of one or more contaminants in the array is
optionally even lower. For example, in one class of embodiments,
the density in the array of each of one or more atoms (e.g., two or
more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven
or more, or eight or more atoms) selected from the group consisting
of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is less than
5.times.10.sup.10 atoms/cm.sup.2. Optionally, the density of each
of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K in the array is less than
5.times.10.sup.10 atoms/cm.sup.2. As another example, in one class
of embodiments, the density in the array of each of one or more
atoms (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or
more, six or more, seven or more, or eight or more atoms) selected
from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K
is less than 1.times.10.sup.10 atoms/cm.sup.2. Optionally, the
density of each of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K in the
array is less than 1.times.10.sup.10 atoms/cm.sup.2. The density of
each contaminating atom in the array is optionally low enough that
the monolayer array can be processed in a conventional
semiconductor compliant clean room or other fabrication
facility.
[0100] Essentially any desired combination of contaminating atoms
can be limited to essentially any desired level. Thus, in one
exemplary class of embodiments, the one or more atoms having a
density in the array of less than 1.times.10.sup.11 atoms/cm.sup.2
comprise Cu and Fe (i.e., the density of Cu in the array is less
than 1.times.10.sup.11 atoms/cm.sup.2 and the density of Fe in the
array is less than 1.times.10.sup.11 atoms/cm.sup.2; the density of
other contaminants is optionally also less than 1.times.10.sup.11
atoms/cm.sup.2). In a similar exemplary class of embodiments, the
one or more atoms having a density in the array of less than
1.times.10.sup.11 atoms/cm.sup.2 comprise Na (i.e., the density of
Na, and optionally of other contaminating atom(s), in the array is
less than 1.times.10.sup.11 atoms/cm.sup.2). As yet another
example, the density of Cu, Fe, and Na can each be less than
1.times.10.sup.11 atoms/cm.sup.2 in the array. Optionally, Cu has a
density in the array of less than 1.times.10.sup.11 atoms/cm.sup.2
and/or K has a density in the array of less than 1.times.10.sup.11
atoms/cm.sup.2.
[0101] Levels of additional contaminating metals can be limited as
desired. For example, in one class of embodiments, the metal atom
is Pd and a density of Ni atoms in the array of Pd nanostructures
is less than 1.times.10.sup.11 atoms/cm.sup.2 (e.g., less than
5.times.10.sup.10 atoms/cm.sup.2 or even less than
1.times.10.sup.10 atoms/cm.sup.2).
[0102] The nanostructures (e.g., nanocrystals) comprising the array
can be of essentially any size and/or shape, including, but not
limited to, substantially spherical nanocrystals (e.g., nanodots or
quantum dots), nanorods, or branched nanostructures (e.g., bipods,
tripods, or nanotetrapods). Methods of forming monolayer arrays of
nanostructures are known in the art and are described, e.g., in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/148,001 (supra). The array can
be, e.g., ordered or disordered, and can be of essentially any
desired size and/or shape. For example, each nanostructure array
can have an area of about 10.sup.4 .mu.m.sup.2 or less, about
10.sup.3 .mu.m.sup.2 or less, about 10.sup.2 .mu.m.sup.2 or less,
about 10 .mu.m.sup.2 or less, about 1 .mu.m.sup.2 or less, about
10.sup.5 nm.sup.2 or less, about 10.sup.4 nm.sup.2 or less, or even
about 4225 nm.sup.2 or less, about 2025 nm.sup.2 or less, about
1225 nm.sup.2 or less, about 625 nm.sup.2 or less, or about 324
nm.sup.2 or less. Each nanostructure array optionally has
dimensions of about 45.times.45 nm or less, about 35.times.35 nm or
less, about 25.times.25 nm or less, or about 18.times.18 nm or
less.
[0103] The array is typically a high density array. Thus, in one
class of embodiments, the array has a density greater than about
1.times.10.sup.11 nanostructures/cm.sup.2 or greater than about
1.times.10.sup.12 nanostructures/cm.sup.2 or even greater than
about 1.times.10.sup.13 nanostructures/cm.sup.2. For example, the
density of the array can be about 2-4.times.10.sup.12
nanostructures/cm.sup.2. It will be evident that the density of the
nanostructures in the array, the size of the nanostructures, and
the density of the metal atoms in the array are correlated. For
example, a monolayer array in which Pd quantum dots are present at
a density of about 4.times.10.sup.12 dots/cm.sup.2 corresponds to a
density of about 4.times.10.sup.15 Pd atoms/cm.sup.2 when each dot
includes about 1000 Pd atoms.
[0104] Essentially all of the features noted for the embodiments
above apply to these embodiments as well, as relevant; for example,
with respect to type of metal atom, inclusion of the array in a
device, and/or the like.
Synthesis of Group 10 Nanostructures
[0105] Among other aspects, the invention provides methods for
synthesis of Group 10 metal nanostructures. The Group 10
nanostructures can, but need not be, electronic grade
nanostructures. Related compositions are also described.
[0106] Thus, one general class of embodiments provides methods for
production of Group 10 metal nanostructures. In the methods, a
precursor comprising a Group 10 atom selected from the group
consisting of Pd, Pt, and Ni, wherein the Group 10 atom has an
oxidation state of +2 and is bonded to one or more oxygen atoms, is
provided. The precursor is reacted in the presence of a surfactant
and a non-coordinating solvent to produce the nanostructures. For
example, the precursor and the surfactant can be combined, and then
the precursor and the surfactant can be combined with the
non-coordinating solvent. Reaction of the precursor optionally
occurs without addition of an exogenous reducing agent.
[0107] As noted, the Group 10 atom in the precursor is bonded to
one or more oxygen atoms, e.g., to two oxygen atoms. Exemplary
precursors thus include precursors in which the Group 10 atom is
bonded to one or more carboxylate or beta diketone moieties (e.g.,
to an oxygen atom of the carboxylate or ketone moiety). For
example, the Group 10 atom can be bonded to one or more acetate,
butyrate, oxanilate, or acetylacetonate moieties (e.g., to two such
moieties). In one class of embodiments, the precursor is palladium
(II) acetate. In another class of embodiments, the precursor is
palladium (II) acetylacetonate.
[0108] Exemplary surfactants and non-coordinating solvents are
described below, in the section entitled "Surfactants and
non-coordinating solvents." The non-coordinating solvent is
optionally present in excess of the surfactant; for example, in one
class of embodiments, a volume of the non-coordinating solvent is
about ten or more times greater than a volume of the surfactant
(e.g., about 20 or more times greater). The resulting
nanostructures (e.g., nanocrystals) can be of essentially any size
and/or shape, including, e.g., substantially spherical nanocrystals
(e.g., nanodots or quantum dots), nanorods, or branched
nanostructures (e.g., bipods, tripods, or nanotetrapods).
[0109] As noted, the methods are optionally used to produce
electronic grade nanostructures having low levels of contaminants.
Thus, in one class of embodiments, in the nanostructures a ratio of
the Group 10 atom to each of one or more atoms selected from the
group consisting of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is
greater than 1,000:1. The methods optionally include determining an
amount of one or more of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K
present in the precursor, in the surfactant, and/or in the
non-coordinating solvent. Similarly, the methods can include
determining an amount of one or more of Pd, Pt, Ni, Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn,
Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K present in the nanostructures.
[0110] Essentially all of the features noted for the methods above
apply to these embodiments as well, as relevant; for example, with
respect to limits on contaminant levels and number of contaminants
limited, treatment and/or composition of the reaction vessel,
washing of the nanostructures, inclusion of the nanostructures in a
device, and/or the like.
[0111] Compositions produced by or useful in practicing the methods
are also a feature of the invention. Thus, one general class of
embodiments provides a composition including a precursor, a
surfactant, and a non-coordinating solvent. The precursor comprises
a Group 10 atom selected from the group consisting of Pd, Pt, and
Ni; the Group 10 atom has an oxidation state of +2 and is bonded to
one or more oxygen atoms. The composition optionally includes one
or more Group 10 metal nanostructures.
[0112] Essentially all of the features noted for the embodiments
above apply to these embodiments as well, as relevant; for example,
with respect to type of nanostructures, precursor, surfactant,
and/or non-coordinating solvent, purity of the nanostructures,
and/or the like.
Synthesis of Ruthenium Nanostructures
[0113] In one aspect, the invention provides methods for synthesis
of ruthenium nanostructures. The ruthenium nanostructures can, but
need not be, electronic grade nanostructures. Related compositions
are also provided.
[0114] Thus, one general class of embodiments provides methods for
production of ruthenium nanostructures (e.g., nanocrystals). In the
methods, a precursor comprising an Ru atom (e.g., ruthenium (III)
acetylacetonate, ruthenium chloride, or a ruthenocene) is provided
and reacted, typically in the presence of an additive such as an
oxidizing agent, a base, or a carboxylate (e.g., an acetate) to
produce the nanostructures.
[0115] In one class of embodiments, ruthenium (III) acetylacetonate
is provided and reacted to produce the nanostructures. An additive
selected from the group consisting of an oxidizing agent, a
carboxylate, an acetate, and a base is optionally provided, and the
ruthenium (III) acetylacetonate is reacted in the presence of the
additive to produce the nanostructures. Exemplary additives
include, but are not limited to, ammonium nitrate, nitric acid, a
peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, ammonium acetate, tetramethylammonium
acetate, ammonium hydroxide, and tetramethylammonium hydroxide. As
for the embodiments above, the precursor can be reacted in the
presence of a surfactant and/or a non-coordinating solvent to
produce the nanostructures.
[0116] The resulting nanostructures (e.g., nanocrystals) can be of
essentially any size and/or shape, including, e.g., substantially
spherical nanocrystals (e.g., nanodots or quantum dots), nanorods,
or branched nanostructures (e.g., bipods, tripods, or
nanotetrapods). In one class of embodiments, the nanostructures
have an average diameter between about 1 and 4 nm and/or have a
narrow size distribution.
[0117] As noted, the methods can be used to produce electronic
grade Ru nanostructures having low levels of contaminants. Thus, in
one class of embodiments, in the nanostructures a ratio of the Ru
atom to each of one or more atoms selected from the group
consisting of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au, Na, and K is greater than
1,000:1, greater than 5,000:1, greater than 10,000:1, or greater
than 100,000:1, as described above. The methods optionally include
determining an amount of one or more of Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti, Mn, Au,
Na, and K present in the precursor and in any additive, surfactant,
and/or non-coordinating solvent. Similarly, the methods can include
determining an amount of one or more of Ru, Ni, Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ti,
Mn, Au, Na, and K present in the nanostructures.
[0118] Essentially all of the features noted for the methods above
apply to these embodiments as well, as relevant; for example, with
respect to limits on contaminant levels and number of contaminants
limited, treatment and/or composition of the reaction vessel,
washing of the nanostructures, inclusion of the nanostructures in a
device, and/or the like.
[0119] Compositions produced by or useful in practicing the methods
are also a feature of the invention. Thus, one general class of
embodiments provides a composition including ruthenium (III)
acetylacetonate and one or more ruthenium nanostructures. The
composition optionally includes an additive selected from the group
consisting of an oxidizing agent, a carboxylate, an acetate, and a
base.
[0120] Essentially all of the features noted for the embodiments
above apply to these embodiments as well, as relevant; for example,
with respect to type of nanostructures, precursor, additive,
surfactant, and/or non-coordinating solvent, purity of the
nanostructures, and/or the like.
[0121] Nanostructures produced by any of the methods of the
invention form another feature of the invention. As noted, such
nanostructures can be, e.g., nanocrystals, substantially spherical
nanocrystals, nanorods, branched nanostructures, and/or
nanotetrapods. Also as noted, the methods of the invention can be
used to produce nanostructures having a narrow size distribution.
In addition, the nanocrystals are optionally substantially free of
sodium, unlike the nanoparticles described in Viau et al. (2003)
"Ruthenium nanoparticles: Size, shape, and self-assemblies" Chem.
Mater. 15:486-494, whose synthesis entails the addition of sodium
acetate.
[0122] Thus, one general class of embodiments provides a
composition comprising a population of ruthenium nanostructures.
The population exhibits a standard deviation in diameter of the Ru
nanostructures which is less than 30% of an average diameter of the
nanostructures. The standard deviation is optionally less than 20%
of the average diameter, or even less than 10% of the average
diameter. The size distribution of the population is preferably
monomodal. The ruthenium nanostructures are substantially free of
sodium; for example, the nanostructures have at most about 1 Na
atom per 5.times.10.sup.4 Ru atoms, preferably at most about 1 Na
atom per 1.times.10.sup.5 Ru atoms, e.g., as determined by surface
SIMS analysis of the nanocrystals to determine Na content and
calculation or Rutherford backscattering technique to determine Ru
levels. As described herein, the nanostructures are optionally also
substantially free of one or more additional contaminants (e.g., K,
etc.).
[0123] The nanostructures can be of essentially any size, but the
average diameter is optionally less than 10 nm or less than 5 nm,
e.g., between about 1.0 nm and about 4.0 nm. Similarly, the
nanostructures can be of essentially any shape. In one preferred
class of embodiments, the nanostructures are quantum dots.
[0124] Again, essentially all of the features noted for the
embodiments above apply to these embodiments as well, as relevant;
for example, with respect to type of nanostructures, purity of the
nanostructures, and/or the like.
Precipitation of Nanostructures
[0125] Following manipulation of nanostructures in solution (e.g.,
following colloidal synthesis of the nanostructures, ligand
exchange, or the like), the nanostructures can be conveniently
recovered from solution by centrifugation. However, when the
nanostructures are synthesized and/or processed in high purity
(e.g., electronic grade) solvents, the nanostructures can be more
difficult to recover by centrifugation than when the nanostructures
were synthesized and/or processed in solvents containing more
impurities (e.g., contaminants introduced by drying the solvents
with molecular sieves). This difficulty can be overcome by the
addition of a small quantity of salt to the solution prior to
centrifugation.
[0126] Accordingly, one general class of embodiments provides
methods of recovering nanostructures from suspension. In the
methods, a first solution comprising the nanostructures suspended
in a solvent is provided. A salt is added to the first solution to
produce a second solution, in which second solution the salt is
dissolved in the solvent. The nanostructures are separated from the
solvent, for example, by centrifuging the second solution at a
selected acceleration factor for a selected time.
[0127] Preferably, substantially all of the nanostructures are
recovered from solution. Thus, in one class of embodiments, at most
5% (e.g., at most 1% or essentially none) of the nanostructures
remain in the solvent following centrifugation of the second
solution at the selected acceleration factor for the selected time.
As indicated above, increasing the ionic strength of the solution
by adding salt facilitates recovery of the nanostructures by
centrifugation. After addition of salt, the nanostructures can be
essentially completely recovered from solution by centrifugation at
speeds insufficient to pellet the nanostructures prior to addition
of the salt. Thus, typically at least 60% (e.g., at least 70%, at
least 80%, or at least 90%) of the nanostructures remain in the
solvent following centrifugation of the first solution at the
selected acceleration factor for the selected time. (It will be
evident that, in routine practice of the methods, the first
solution is typically not centrifuged prior to addition of the
salt.)
[0128] The solvent can be essentially any solvent (including, e.g.,
a mixture of two or more solvents, such as a solubilizing solvent
and a more polar precipitating solvent). Exemplary solvents
include, but are not limited to, organic solvents such as alcohols
(e.g., methanol or ethanol), ketones, and other
heteroatom-containing organic molecules.
[0129] A wide variety of salts are known in the art and can be
adapted to the practice of the present invention, including, e.g.,
simple, double, and complex salts and/or normal, acid, and basic
salts. In one class of embodiments, the salt comprises a cation
selected from the group consisting of: NH.sub.4.sup.+, Cs.sup.+,
K.sup.+, Na.sup.+, Li.sup.+, Mg.sup.+, Ca.sup.+, Ba.sup.+, and a
phosphonium ion. In one class of embodiments, the salt comprises an
anion selected from the group consisting of: citrate, phosphate,
sulfate, acetate, chloride, nitrate, thiocyanate, carbonate, and
tetraphenylborate. Exemplary salts include ammonium carbonate,
ammonium acetate, and ammonium chloride.
[0130] Essentially any salt having some solubility in the solvent
can be employed. However, in certain embodiments, a volatile salt
is preferred (e.g., ammonium carbonate or ammonium acetate). A
volatile salt can be removed from the pelleted nanostructures,
e.g., under vacuum, and thus does not contaminate the recovered
nanostructures. The methods optionally include removing at least a
portion of any salt remaining associated with the nanostructures
after the centrifugation step.
[0131] It will be evident that choice of salt can be influenced,
e.g., by the intended use of the nanostructures; typically, a salt
that can be substantially completely removed from the
nanostructures or whose presence will not interfere with the
desired application of the nanostructures is selected for use. For
example, for processing of electronic grade nanostructures, salts
including an ammonium ion as the cation and/or a citrate, sulfate,
acetate, chloride, nitrate, thiocyanate, or carbonate ion as the
anion are optionally employed. Due to their ease of removal from
the nanostructures, volatile salts such as ammonium carbonate and
ammonium acetate are particularly preferred for use in processing
electronic grade nano structures.
[0132] The amount of salt added to the first solution can be
determined empirically. Typically, little salt is required to alter
the ionic strength of the solvent enough to facilitate recovery of
the nanostructures. For example, addition of a salt such as
ammonium acetate to 800-1000 ppm in a solvent such as methanol is
typically sufficient.
[0133] The nanostructures are optionally resuspended in fresh
solvent and the salt addition and centrifugation steps repeated,
e.g., to remove excess surfactant from the nanostructures. The
steps can be repeated once (i.e., performed twice), or two, three,
four, or more times.
Surfactants and Non-Coordinating Solvents
[0134] As noted above, one or more surfactants are typically used
in a nanostructure synthesis reaction, to assist in controlling
shape and/or size of the resulting nanostructures, to maintain
solubility and prevent aggregation of the nanostructures, and/or
the like. A number of suitable surfactants are described herein
and/or known in the art and can be used singly or in various
combinations. Examples include, but are not limited to, phosphines,
thiols, phosphine oxides (e.g., tri-n-alkyl phosphine oxides),
sulfonates, amines (e.g., oleylamine), diols (e.g., propanediol),
and carboxylic acids.
[0135] Suitable phosphines include tri-n-alkyl phosphines such as
trioctylphosphine (TOP) and tri-n-butyl phosphine (TBP). Suitable
phosphines also include tri-alkylarylphosphines such as
dodecylbenzylphosphine; in a tri-alkylarylphosphine surfactant, the
phosphine is a "soft" ligand (soft ligands are typically preferable
for "soft" metals), the aryl group can pi-backbond from the metal,
and the alkyl group can contribute to solubility in organic
solvents. Exemplary phosphines also include bidentate phosphines,
e.g., diphenylphosphinoalkanes such as diphenylphosphinopropane
(DPPP) and diphenylphosphinoethane (DPPE). Other exemplary
bidentate phosphines include DPPB, BDPF, BIPHEP, (-)-DIOP,
(-)-BINAP and (R,R)--NORPHOS (see, e.g., Son et al. (2004) "Facile
synthesis of various phosphine-stabilized monodisperse palladium
nanoparticles through understanding of coordination chemistry of
the nanoparticles" Nano Letters 4:1147-1151).
[0136] Thiols that can be used as surfactants include, but are not
limited to, alkyl thiols, aryl thiols, and alkylaryl thiols,
including, e.g., monothiols, dithiols, and the like. Use of thiols,
e.g., alkyl thiols, aryl thiols, or alkylaryl thiols, as
surfactants is preferred in some embodiments; the thiol group is a
"soft" ligand and thus typically preferable for "soft" metals, the
aryl group can pi-backbond from the metal, and/or the alkyl group
can contribute to solubility in organic solvents. (See, e.g., Adams
et al. (1932) Org Syn Collect 1:504 and Pirmettis et al. (1996)
"Synthesis and characterization of oxotechnetium(V) mixed-ligand
complexes containing a tridentate N-substituted
bis(2-mercaptoethyl)amine and a monodentate thiol" Inorg Chem
35:1685-1691.) In addition, use of a thiol surfactant avoids the
potential for formation of undesirable metal phosphides that can
result when a phosphine surfactant is employed. Polyhedral
oligomeric silsesquioxanes, e.g., containing thiols or other
nanostructure binding groups, can also be used as surfactants (see
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/147,670 filed Jun. 7, 2005 by
Jeffery A. Whiteford, et al. entitled "Post-deposition
encapsulation of nanostructures: Compositions, devices and systems
incorporating same").
[0137] A suitable surfactant (or combination of surfactants) for
use with a given precursor can be determined by experimentation as
is known in the art. Factors affecting choice of surfactant(s) can
include, for example, reaction temperature, choice of precursor,
and desired size and shape of the nanostructures to be produced. As
noted, two or more surfactants can be used in a given synthesis
reaction; for example, the precursor can be dissolved in TOP and
injected into a larger volume of heated dodecylbenzylphosphine to
initiate nanostructure growth. As another example, in one aspect,
the precursor is reacted in the presence of an alkyl thiol (e.g.,
dodecanethiol) and a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane that
includes a thiol group. After synthesis of the nanostructures,
surfactants coating the nanostructures are optionally exchanged for
other surfactants or surface ligands. See, e.g., U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/147,670 (supra), U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/928,625 filed Aug. 26, 2004 by Jeffrey A. Whiteford et
al. entitled "Organic species that facilitate charge transfer to or
from nanostructures", and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/492,717 filed Jul. 24, 2006 by J. Wallace Parce et al. entitled
"Nanocrystal doped matrixes." Like the surfactant in which the
nanostructures were grown, such other surfactants or surface
ligands optionally also contain low levels of contaminants.
[0138] In one aspect, nanostructures are synthesized by reacting
precursors in the presence of one or more non-coordinating
solvents. For example, a precursor can be reacted in the presence
of a surfactant and a non-coordinating solvent; use of the
non-coordinating solvent can, e.g., permit use of a smaller
quantity and/or lower concentration of the surfactant, which can be
advantageous. The non-coordinating solvent is optionally present in
excess of the surfactant; for example, the volume of the
non-coordinating solvent can be five or more, 10 or more, 15 or
more, 20 or more, or 25 or more times the volume of the surfactant.
Suitable non-coordinating solvents include alkanes (particularly
long chain alkanes), alkane substituted aryl derivatives,
unreactive aromatic hydrocarbons, and the like. For example,
octadecane, hexadecane, phenyldodecane, phenyltetradecane (also
known as tetradecylbenzene), or phenylhexadecane can be used.
EXAMPLES
[0139] It is understood that the examples and embodiments described
herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various
modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to
persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit
and purview of this application and scope of the appended claims.
Accordingly, the following examples are offered to illustrate, but
not to limit, the claimed invention.
Example 1
Synthesis of Palladium Nanocrystals
[0140] The following sets forth a series of experiments that
demonstrate synthesis of palladium nanostructures, using novel
combinations of precursors, surfactants, and non-coordinating
solvents. The resulting palladium nanocrystals have, e.g., low
levels of other, contaminating metals.
Synthesis from Palladium Acetate Precursor
[0141] General Methods
[0142] All manipulations are carried out with strict exclusion of
air and moisture by using Schlenk technique under an inert
atmosphere of argon. Solvents and reagents are stored and handled
in a glove box. Trioctylphosphine (TOP), min 97%, is obtained from
Alfa Aesar and purified by distillation, then filtered with a 0.2
micron PTFE frit. Octadecane is obtained from Aldrich and filtered
with a 0.2 micron PTFE frit prior to use. Palladium acetate is
obtained from Strem Chemicals, Inc. (Newburyport, Mass.). Solvents
are electronic grade. Glassware is acid washed with aqua regia
prior to use, and solvents and reagents contact only the
acid-washed glassware, plastic, and/or Teflon.RTM..
[0143] Synthesis of Pd Nanocrystals
[0144] Synthesis of Pd nanocrystals is schematically illustrated in
FIG. 1. In the glove box, 0.2245 g palladium acetate and 1.0 mL
trioctylphosphine (TOP) are combined in an 8 mL vial. The resulting
TOP-Pd solution is heated with stirring for about two hours or
until dissolved at 70.degree. C. The solution is then drawn into a
3 mL syringe equipped with a 16 gauge needle.
[0145] A 50 mL 3-neck round bottom flask with a long condenser is
set up on the Schlenk line and placed under inert gas. The flask is
equipped with a thermocouple, which will be immersed in the
reaction solution to monitor the solution temperature. To the flask
is added 20 mL octadecane. The octadecane is heated with the
temperature controller set to 100.degree. C., then held at
100.degree. C. under vacuum with stirring for 20 minutes, then
placed under inert gas. The temperature controller is set to
320.degree. C.
[0146] The syringe containing the TOP-Pd solution is removed from
the glove box, and the TOP-Pd is immediately injected into the
flask at 315.degree. C. The temperature controller is set to
300.degree. C. One minute after the injection, the heat source is
removed from the reaction flask and the reaction solution allowed
to cool. When the solution temperature reaches about 60.degree. C.,
5.0 mL hexanes are added and the product is transferred by syringe
into inert vials and then into the glove box for washing.
[0147] Washing of Pd Nanocrystals
[0148] Half of the reaction solution is transferred to eight vials,
with each vial receiving about 1.6 mL of reaction solution. In the
glove box, 5.0 mL ethanol is added to each vial. The solution is
vortexed heavily and heated briefly at 50.degree. C. (for
approximately 2 minutes), then centrifuged for 5 minutes. The
supernatant is slightly colored and the precipitate is oily; if the
precipitate is suspended in solution, the supernatant is removed by
syringe. The precipitate is retained. Addition of 5.0 mL ethanol to
each vial, vortexing, centrifugation, and retention of precipitate
is repeated four times. After the last precipitation step, the
precipitates are combined in one 8 mL vial with 2 mL toluene.
[0149] Analysis of Pd Nanocrystals
[0150] A transmission electron micrograph of exemplary Pd
nanocrystals is shown in FIG. 2. For determination of contaminant
levels, nanocrystals were suspended in a solvent such as toluene or
chlorobenzene and then filtered through a 0.2 micron PTFE frit.
Quantities of Fe, Zn, Cu, Au, and Na present in the nanocrystals
were determined by surface SIMS (for Na) and TXRF (for other
metals) and are presented in Table 1. For TXRF analysis,
measurements are typically taken at 3-5 positions on the grid and
averaged. The density of the palladium quantum dots in this
exemplary sample was about 2.times.10.sup.12/cm.sup.2. Since each
dot includes about 1000 atoms of Pd, the density of palladium was
about 2.times.10.sup.15 atoms/cm.sup.2. As noted, contaminant
levels can be further decreased by use of quartz glassware.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Contamination level in Pd quantum dots.
Level Contaminant (atoms .times. 10.sup.10/cm.sup.2) Iron <1
Zinc 22 Copper <3 Gold 1.5 Sodium 17
Synthesis from Palladium Acetylacetonate Precursor
[0151] Synthesis of Pd Nanocrystals
[0152] The following Pd-thiol in tetradecyl benzene (TDB) stock
solution is prepared in a 20 mL vial in a glove box under inert
atmosphere: palladium acetylacetonate, 304 mg (1.0 mM); cyclohexyl
monothiol POSS (polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane), 536.5 mg
(0.5 mM), see, e.g., compound 13 of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/147,670; 1-dodecane thiol, 303.0 mg (1.5 mM); and tetradecyl
benzene, 10.0 mL. A stir bar is added and the TDB-Pd/thiol complex
is heated while mixing for 30 minutes at 100.degree. C. The
temperature is turned down to 60.degree. C. and the solution is
allowed to mix for another 30 minutes. The solution is drawn into a
10.0 mL syringe equipped with a 16 gauge needle.
[0153] A 250 mL, 3-neck round bottom flask with a condenser is set
up on a Schlenk line and the reactor is placed under inert gas. 50
mL of 99% tetradecyl benzene is added to the 250 mL 3-neck round
bottom flask. The tetradecyl benzene is heated with the temperature
controller set to 120.degree. C., then held at 120.degree. C. under
vacuum with stirring for 20 minutes, then placed under inert gas.
The temperature controller is set to 290.degree. C.
[0154] The syringe containing the TDB-Pd/thiol complex is removed
from the glove box, and the TDB-Pd/thiol complex is immediately
injected into the flask at 290.degree. C. The temperature
controller is set to 280.degree. C. Ten minutes after the
injection, the heat source is removed from the reaction flask and
the reaction solution is allowed to cool. When the reactor reaches
about 60.degree. C., the product is transferred by syringe into
inert vials and then into the glove box for immediate washing.
[0155] Washing of Pd Nanocrystals
[0156] The nanostructures are washed in the glove box. Note that
all solvents are of electronic grade and/or distilled. To the
reaction solution (about 60 mL, theoretical yield 106 mg) in a
clean 250 mL polypropylene container is added a 50/50 ratio of 90
mL isopropyl alcohol/90 mL methanol; the mixture is vortexed and
centrifuged, and the supernatant is decanted. (The precipitate may
be oily, and may be suspended in solution. In this case, the
supernatant is removed by syringe.) The isopropyl alcohol/methanol
precipitation is repeated three times or until a solid pellet is
achieved. The pellet is resuspended with 30 ml of hexane. A
Teflon.RTM. (30 mL) ultracentrifuge tube is filled with the
suspended Pd nanostructures, capped with a solvent resistant o-ring
cap, centrifuged in a 70 Ti rotor for 20 hours at 20000 rpm, and
transferred to the glove box. The supernatant is removed by syringe
to the level of the palladium. To the nanostructures in the same
tube, 20 ml of methanol is added; the tube is vortexed and
centrifuged (3000 rpm, 5 min) and the supernatant is decanted. The
methanol wash is repeated, and the nanostructures are set aside for
deposition.
[0157] Analysis of Pd Nanocrystals
[0158] Quantities of Na, K, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Ni present in the
nanocrystals were determined by surface SIMS and TXRF and are
presented in Table 2. The density of palladium was calculated to be
6.9.times.10.sup.15 atoms/cm.sup.2.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Contamination level in Pd quantum dots.
Level Contaminant (atoms .times. 10.sup.10/cm.sup.2) Na 14 K 1.7 Cu
3.9 Zn 23 Fe 33 Ni <2.5
Example 2
Synthesis of Ruthenium Nanocrystals
[0159] The following sets forth a series of experiments that
demonstrate synthesis of ruthenium nanostructures on a 1 gram
scale, using a novel precursor. The resulting ruthenium
nanocrystals have, e.g., low levels of other, contaminating
metals.
[0160] General Methods
[0161] Manipulations are performed in a clean room. Glassware and
other accessories utilized include the following: 1 L three-neck
quartz flask, quartz condenser, Teflon.RTM. sleeve for condenser,
quartz thermocouple adaptor, stir bar, heating mantle, thermocouple
and temperature controller, adapter for condenser with 0.2 .mu.m
air filter, rubber septa (rinsed with methanol) for sealing third
neck of the flask, and 5.times.250 mL Teflon.RTM. bottles. All the
glassware and Teflon.RTM.-ware is cleaned with a ChromeEtch bath
(Chromium Photomask Etchant CR14-S from Cyantek Corp.) followed by
a 50% nitric acid bath and washed with plenty of deionized water
between baths and after the nitric acid bath.
[0162] Chemicals and solvents used include Ru (III) acetylacetonate
[Ru(acac).sub.3] 99.99%, obtained from MV Labs; ammonium nitrate
99.999%, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich; dodecane thiol min. 98%,
obtained from Aldrich and purified by distillation; 1,2 propane
diol E-grade, obtained from Huntsman; ammonium acetate 99.999%,
obtained from Sigma-Aldrich; methanol electronic grade, obtained
from Air Products; and toluene electronic grade, obtained from
HTP.
[0163] Synthesis Procedure
[0164] To synthesize the nanocrystals, 6.3 g of Ru(acac).sub.3 and
1.53 g of ammonium nitrate are weighed into the quartz flask, and
700 mL of 1,2 propane diol is added into the flask. The flask is
set on a heating mantle above a stir plate and heated at 80.degree.
C. under stirring for 60 minutes. After the hour at 80.degree. C.,
the reaction pot is heated to 175.degree. C. and then maintained at
175.degree. C. for 75 min. with stirring. After the 75 min. at
175.degree. C., the heat is removed and the reaction is allowed to
cool to room temperature; an airgun is used to cool the flask.
[0165] Initial Washing to Remove Majority of 1,2 Propane Diol
[0166] About 50 mL of the reaction mixture is transferred into each
of two 250 mL Teflon.RTM. bottles. About 200 mL methanol is added
to both bottles. The bottles are shaken well and centrifuged to
precipitate the Ru dots (e.g., at 4000 rpm for 7 min.). The
supernatant is discarded, and 50 mL more of the reaction mixture is
added into the Teflon.RTM. bottles. Methanol is added and the
centrifugation and removal of supernatant steps are repeated. This
process is repeated until about 50 mL of the reaction mixture
remains in the flask and the majority of the dots are in the
Teflon.RTM. bottles. Methanol is used to transfer the precipitate
(dots) from the Teflon.RTM. bottles back into the quartz flask
containing the residual reaction mixture, using a transfer pipette
to avoid losses.
[0167] Ligand Exchange
[0168] After all the dots are transferred into the flask, 240 mL of
toluene and 185 mL of distilled dodecane thiol are added into the
flask. The mixture is heated at 70.degree. C. for 1 hour under
stirring, then cooled to room temperature with an airgun. The
contents of the flask are transferred into 3.times.250 mL
Teflon.RTM. bottles and centrifuged, e.g., at 4000 rpm for 5 min.
The centrifugation step should separate the toluene and propane
diol phases--note that only the toluene layer has the good dots;
the aggregate at the bottom of the bottle is discarded while
washing. If storage before final washing is necessary, the bottles
are transferred to a glove box with a nitrogen atmosphere.
[0169] Final Washing
[0170] About 75 mL of the exchanged reaction mixture is transferred
into each of two clean 250 mL Teflon.RTM. bottles, using a rinsed
syringe and needle to remove only the supernatant. (Any precipitate
in the primary bottle is discarded; it is not transferred for
washing.) Methanol is added until near the neck of each bottle,
then 2-3 mL of 30,000 ppm ammonium acetate solution is added. The
bottles are shaken well and then centrifuged, e.g., at 4000 rpm for
5 min. About 75 mL more of the exchanged reaction mixture is
transferred into the same bottles, and the addition of methanol and
salt solution, the shaking, and the centrifugation are repeated.
This process is repeated until all of the solution from the
exchanged mixture is transferred to the Teflon.RTM. bottles and
precipitated.
[0171] The precipitate is dissolved in 50 mL of toluene, shaking
well. Methanol and salt solution are added, and the mixture is
shaken and centrifuged. 10 mL portions of toluene are used to
transfer the contents of one of the bottles into the other (in
total 50 mL toluene is used). Methanol and salt solution are added,
and the mixture is shaken and centrifuged. The precipitate is
dissolved in 50 mL of toluene and shaken; methanol and salt
solution are added, and the mixture is shaken and centrifuged. The
precipitate is retained and washed once in methanol only (250 mL).
The methanol is discarded, and the dots are stored as a wet pellet,
e.g., in a glove box with a nitrogen atmosphere.
[0172] Analysis of Ru Nanocrystals
[0173] An electron micrograph of exemplary Ru nanocrystals is shown
in FIG. 3. The nanocrystals have a size of 2.58.+-.0.43 nm; the
standard deviation in diameter of the nanostructures is therefore
less than 17% of their average diameter.
[0174] For determination of contaminant levels, washed Ru quantum
dots were suspended in deaerated electronic grade xylene to give a
concentration of approximately 1.5 mg/mL and then filtered through
a 0.2 .mu.m filter before coating on a TXRF wafer. Quantities of
Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Na, and K present were determined
by SIMS (for Na and K) and TXRF (for other metals) and are
presented in Table 3. The density of ruthenium was calculated to be
2.4.times.10.sup.15 atoms/cm.sup.2.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Contamination level in Ru quantum dots.
Level Contaminant (atoms .times. 10.sup.10/cm.sup.2) Ca <13 Ti
<5 Cr <3 Mn <2 Fe 13 Ni <1.4 Cu 3.5 Zn 15 Na 1.0 K
0.18
Example 3
Synthesis of Nickel Nanocrystals
[0175] The following sets forth a series of experiments that
demonstrate synthesis of nickel quantum dots having, e.g., low
levels of other, contaminating metals.
[0176] Manipulations are performed in an inert atmosphere. 730 mg
of nickel cyclooctadiene is dissolved in 30 mL of distilled
oleylamine at 100.degree. C. 100 mL of distilled diphenyl ether is
degassed for 20 min at 100.degree. C. and then heated to
260.degree. C. under nitrogen atmosphere. At this temperature, the
nickel precursor dissolved in oleylamine is injected and the
reaction is let come to 255.degree. C. The reaction is stopped at
this point by removing the heat source and cooling the flask
containing the reaction mixture with an air gun to below
120.degree. C. The reaction mixture is then transferred to a glove
box for washing.
[0177] Washing is done using de-aerated toluene and methanol. About
8 mL of the reaction mixture is transferred into a 25 mL
Teflon.RTM. tube and methanol is added along with about 1 mL of
30,000 ppm salt solution (ammonium acetate). The mixture is
vortexed and centrifuged to precipitate the nanostructures (e.g.,
at 4000 rpm for 5 min). The supernatant is decanted, more of the
reaction mixture is transferred into the same tube, and the washing
procedure is continued. Typically, multiple tubes are used to cut
down the time required to process the entire reaction mixture. Once
all the dots in the reaction mixture are precipitated in the
tube(s), the precipitate is dissolved in approximately 6 mL of
toluene; vortexed; methanol and 1 mL of salt solution are added;
vortexed; centrifuged and the supernatant discarded. This procedure
is repeated until the volume of the pellet in the tube does not
change with washing (typically 5 to 6 rounds of washing). The
precipitate can then be taken into xylene for further
processing.
[0178] Analysis of Ni Nanocrystals
[0179] Quantities of Na, K, Cu, Zn, and Fe present in Ni quantum
dots were determined by surface SIMS and are presented in Table 4.
Quantity of Ni present in the dots was also determined by surface
SIMS and was 6.9.times.10.sup.15 atoms/cm.sup.2.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Contamination level in Ni quantum dots.
Level Contaminant (atoms .times. 10.sup.10/cm.sup.2) Na 92 K 1.8 Cu
5.6 Zn 12 Fe 1.7
[0180] While the foregoing invention has been described in some
detail for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be clear
to one skilled in the art from a reading of this disclosure that
various changes in form and detail can be made without departing
from the true scope of the invention. For example, all the
techniques and apparatus described above can be used in various
combinations. All publications, patents, patent applications,
and/or other documents cited in this application are incorporated
by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent
as if each individual publication, patent, patent application,
and/or other document were individually indicated to be
incorporated by reference for all purposes.
* * * * *