Nanocomposites Synthesized by High Pressure Injection of Porous Dielectrics asOptical Materials

摘要

This research focuses on dense conductor-dielectric nanocomposites, i.e.,composites in which the conducting phase occupies a volume fraction of several tens percent. Many applications, especially those involving electrical transport, call for a high concentration of the active conducting phase. We have developed a high pressure-high temperature injection technique for the synthesis of composites using nanochannel dielectrics as templates. Using this technique, we have prepared and characterized two distinct type of composites: nanocrystalline networks and nanowire arrays. We have performed structural, optical and transport measurements which highlight the role of the microstructure on the electronic properties of the composites. The nanowire composites have been used as prototype materials for the development of a scanning electric force microscope by a company specializing in scanning force microscopes. They can also be utilized as building blocks for high density multifeedthroughs and photosensing arrays; three patents have been filed for these applications.