Preparation and Characterization of CdTe Nanoparticles in Zirconia Films Prepared by the Sol Gel Method

Two methods for the synthesis of CdTe nanoparticles in zirconia sol-gel films are demonstrated. The nanoparticles were obtained by chemical reduction of Te(IV) using reducing agent (hydrazine) or tin chloride. Particle sizes ranging from 6 to 20 nm in diameter could be prepared by varying the experimetal parameters. The size and crystalline structure of the particles were characterized by optical absorption, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The film morphology was characterized by scanning force microscopy.The film obtained by SnCl₂ method is smooth and homogeneous. The dense structure of CdTe nanoparticles of a few nm in diameter is revealed. The films prepared with hydrazine are porous as a result of evolution of the decomposition gaseous products during the reduction.Advantages and disadvantages of the two methods are discussed.     

Gasochromic Effect in Platinum-Doped Tungsten Trioxide Films Prepared by the Sol-Gel Method

Tungsten oxide doped by a complex of platinum exhibits a gasochromic effect. A reversible coloration is observed on successive exposure to hydrogen and air. The films were prepared by the sol-gel method at room temperature. They showed strong darkening (blue color) on exposure to hydrogen and were bleached completely when exposed to air. The proccess has been reproduced completely hundreds of times without any losses. The cycling of the coloration was obtained from UV-Vis spectra and the mechanism deduced from both visible and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. Colorimetric properties of the gasochromic films were expressed in color space chromaticity diagram.     

Nonlinear properties of semiconductor quantum dots in glasses prepared by the sol-gel method

The preparation of thin glass films having waveguiding properties with microcrystallites of CdS and CuCl is elaborated, their nonlinear properties measured and the electronic levels of the quantum dots presented. These are compared with their properties in bulk glass.Enrique Berman Professor of Solar Energy.