Microstructure and Conduction Electron Quantum Properties of Small Diamond Cubic α-Sn Nanocrystals Embedded in Cubic Boron Nitride Crystals.
Sergiu V NistorLeona C NistorMariana StefanAlexandra C JoitaPublished in: ACS omega (2022)
The morphology, structure, composition, and conduction electron properties of quasi-spherical tin nanocrystals (NCs) of 2.5 nm average diameter, with unstrained, bulk-like α-Sn diamond cubic structure, observed in dark cubic boron nitride (cBN) crystallites, were determined by correlated analytical high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy and multifrequency electron spin resonance (ESR) investigations. The narrow Lorentzian ESR line with g = 2.0028 is attributed to the conduction ESR of the α-Sn NCs, consistent with the temperature- and frequency-independent small g -shift and intensity reduction under high temperature (950 °C) vacuum annealing when the α-Sn NCs are thermally dissolved in the host cBN crystallites. The ESR linewidth and line intensity vs temperature dependences recorded in the 20 to 295 K range are quantitatively described considering the presence of discrete, quantum confinement-induced conduction electron energy levels with Δ QC / k B = 125 K separation, close to the theoretical value for conductive α-Sn NCs of 2.5 nm in diameter. The observed properties are tentatively explained with the predicted nanosize induced band-gap opening and change of band ordering from bulk α-Sn to small unstrained α-Sn NCs, resulting in a topological phase transition that also explains the predominantly s-like character of the conduction band electron orbitals.
Keyphrases
- electron microscopy
- high resolution
- energy transfer
- estrogen receptor
- room temperature
- high glucose
- molecular dynamics
- solar cells
- high intensity
- high temperature
- density functional theory
- diabetic rats
- oxidative stress
- liquid chromatography
- optic nerve
- white matter
- endothelial cells
- gold nanoparticles
- optical coherence tomography
- tandem mass spectrometry
- visible light
- light emitting