Semiconductor nanocluster growth within polymer films

Models for semiconductor nanocluster growth within polymer films are presen ted. The models assume a diffusion-aggregation mechanism of nanocluster gro wth, where the semiconductor molecules aggregate to form primary particles, which then aggregate, giving larger particles. Reaction-diffusion and equi librium models based on scaling analyses have been developed. Both of the m odels qualitatively explain the experimentally observed effects of various processing parameters on the final nanocluster size. The models also make q uantitative predictions of the variation in the final nanocluster size on v arying these processing parameters. Experiments are proposed to determine w hether the two models represent an accurate picture of nanocluster growth. Such models of nanocluster growth may enable a rational exploration of para meter space and guide experimentalists aiming to synthesize monodisperse se miconductor nanoclusters in polymer films.