Wide band gap based nanostructures have being attracting much research interest because of their promise for application in optoelectronic devices. Among those wide band gap semiconductors, gallium nitride (GaN) and zinc oxide (ZnO) are the most commonly studied and optoelectronic devices based on GaN and ZnO have been widely investigated. This thesis concentrates on the growth, optical and electrical properties of GaN and ZnO nanostructures, plus their application in solar cells and light emitting diodes (LEDs). GaN-nanowire based dye sensitized solar cells were studied. Different post-growth treatments such as annealing and coating with a TiOx shell were applied to enhance dye absorption. It was found that TiOx increased the dye absorption and the performance of the dye sensitized solar cell. ZnO nanorods were synthesized by vapor deposition and electrodeposition. Post-growth treatments such as annealing and hydrothermal processing were used to modify the defect chemistry and optical properties. LEDs based on GaN/ZnO heterojunctions were studied. The influence of ZnO seed layers on GaN/ZnO LEDs was investigated. GaN/ZnO LEDs based on ZnO nanorods with MgO and TiOx shells were also prepared in order to modify the LED performance. The coating condition of the shell was found to influence the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics and device performance. Moreover, high brightness LEDs based on GaN with InGaN multiple quantum wells were also fabricated. The origin of the emission from GaN/ZnO LEDs was studied using different kinds of GaN substrates. Direct metal contacts on bare GaN substrates were also employed to investigate the optical emission and electrical properties. It is found that the emission from the GaN/ZnO LEDs probably originated from the GaN substrate. GaN/ZnO LEDs with MgO as an interlayer were also fabricated. The MgO layer was expected to modify the band alignment between the GaN and the ZnO. It was shown that GaN/MgO/ZnO heterojunctions (using both ZnO nanorods and ZnO films) have quite different emission performance under forward bias compared to those that have no MgO interlayer. An emission peak was around 400 nm could originate from ZnO. Nitrogen doped ZnO nanorods on n-type GaN have been prepared by electrodeposition. Zinc nitrate and zinc acetate were used as ZnO precursors and NH4NO3 was used as a nitrogen precursor. Only the ZnO nanorods made using zinc nitrate showed obvious evidence of doping and coherent I-V characteristics. Cerium doped ZnO based LEDs were fabricated and showed an emission that depended on the cerium precursor that was employed. This indicates that the choice of precursor influences the growth, the materials properties and the optical properties of ZnO. / published_or_final_version / Physics / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

Over the last decade, many significant developments have been made to improve the active materials in a new generation of organic light emitting devices (OLEDs). Current OLED technology is focused on organo-transition metal complexes, which emit from the triplet excited state and exhibit bright phosphorescence. Efficient in devices have been reported using these luminescent materials, such as iridium and platinum complexes, however, rare metal abundance concerns, high price and toxicology have inspired the study of alternative phosphorescent materials, such as copper or silver complexes. In this research, novel copper complexes have been synthesized, such as trinuclear and mononuclear copper (I) complexes, using a range of ligands, such as alkynyl, phosphine alkynyl and pyridine ligands. The synthesised complexes have been characterised by with a range of techniques, such as UV/Vis absorption and emission spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Most of the copper complexes have shown very interesting luminescent properties in solution and solid state and some of them were studied for future application in a device.

Controlled patterning of light emitting diodes on semiconductors enables a vast variety of applications such as structured illumination, large-area flexible displays, integrated optoelectronic systems and micro-total analysis systems for real time biomedical screening. We have demonstrated a series of techniques of creating quantum-based (QD) patterned inorganic light emitting devices at room temperature on silicon (Si) substrate. In particular: (I) A combination of QDs self-assembly and microcontact printing techniques were developed to form the light emission monolayer. We expand the self-assembly method with the traditional Langmuir-Schaeffer technique to rapidly deposit monolayers of core: shell quantum dots on flat substrates. A uniform film of QDs self-assembled on water was transferred using hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane stamps with various nano/micro-scale patterns, and was subsequently stamped. A metal oxide electron transport layer was co-sputtered onto the QDs. The structure was completed by an e-beam evaporating thin metal cathode. Multicolor light emission was observed on application of voltage across the device. (II) We also demonstrate the photolithographic patterning capability of a metal cathode for top emitting QDLEDs on Si substrates. Lithographic patterning technique enables site-controlled patterning and controlled feature size of the electrode with greater accuracy. The stability of inorganic silicon materials and metal oxide based diode structure offers excellent advantages to the device, with no significant damage observed during the patterning and etching steps. Efficient electrical excitation of QDs was demonstrated by both the methods described above. The technique was translated to create localized QD-based light sources for two applications: (1) Three-dimensional scanning probe tip structures for near field imaging. Combined topographic and optical images were acquired using this new class of “self-illuminating” probe in commercial NSOM. The emission wavelength can be tuned through quantum-size effect of QDs. (2) Multispectral excitation sources integrated with microfluidic channels for tumor cell analyses. We were able to detect the variation of sub-cellular features, such as the nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio, to quantify the absorption at different wavelength upon the near-field illumination of individual tumor cells towards the determination of cancer developmental stage. / text

published_or_final_version / abstract / Electrical and Electronic Engineering / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / abstract / Chemistry / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

No description available.

Tyrimų tikslas. Ištirti kietakūnio apšvietimo, pagrįsto šviesą emituojančių diodų technologija, panaudojimo galimybes žalumyninių daržovių, želmenų ir daigintų sėklų vidinės kokybės rodikliams valdyti. Mokslinis naujumas. Pirmą kartą nustatyta, kad raudona 638 nm šviesa ir jos derinys su raudona 669 nm, mėlyna 447 nm ir tolimąja raudona 731 nm šviesa paskatina nitratų redukcijos procesus salotose ir kitose žalumyninėse daržovėse. Nustatyta, kad reikšmingam teigiamam efektui žalumyninių daržovių vidinei kokybei pasiekti pakanka jas švitinti didelio tankio fotosintetiškai aktyvios raudonos 638 nm spinduliuotės srautu ~72 h prieš planuojamą derliaus nuėmimą. Pirmą kartą įvertintas kietakūnio apšvietimo spektro efektas skirtingų lietuviškų javų želmenų, lapinių ridikėlių ir daigintų sėklų antioksidacinėms savybėms. Nustatytas teigiamas raudonų 638, 669 nm, mėlynos 447 nm ir tolimosios raudonos 731 nm bangų ilgių deriniui papildomų žalios 518 nm ir geltonos 595 nm šviesos efektas natūraliai aukštomis bioaktyvių medžiagų koncentracijomis audiniuose išsiskiriančių žalumyninių daržovių ir želmenų antioksidacinėms savybėms. Darbo praktinė svarba. Įvertintos originalios konstrukcijos kietakūnio apšvietimo įrenginių taikymo žalumyninių daržovių vidinei kokybei gerinti galimybės. Remiantis darbe nustatytais dėsningumais, parengtas ir patentuotas žalingų nitratų kiekio augaluose sumažinimo, apšvitinant kietakūnio šviestuvo sukuriamu šviesos srautu, metodas ir įrenginys. Atliktų tyrimų... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The aim of the research was to investigate the usability of the solid state lighting, based on light emitting diode technology, for the management of nutritional quality indices in green vegetables and sprouts. Scientific originality. It was determined for the first time, that red 638 nm light and its combination with blue 447 nm, red 669 nm and far red 731 nm light promoted nitrate reduction processes in lettuce and other green vegetables. It is enough to irradiate green vegetables with the high flux of photosyntheticaly active 638 nm red light for ~72 h before harvesting for the pronounced positive effect on their internal quality. The effect of the solid-state lighting spectra on antioxidant properties of Lithuanian cereal greens, leafy radish and sprouted seeds was evaluated for the first time. The positive effect of green 518 nm and yellow 595 nm light, supplemental for the red 638, 669 nm light, blue 447 nm and far red 731 nm light on the antioxidant properties of green vegetables and sprouts, naturally containing higher concentrations of bioactive compounds, was determined. Practical value of the work. Solid-state lighting application possibilities for the improvement of green vegetable internal quality were evaluated. According to defined trends, the method and apparatus for the reduction of harmful nitrates in plants, when irradiating plants with the light flux generated by semiconductor lighting unit, was designed and patented. The complex investigations and... [to full text]

Tyrimų tikslas. Ištirti kietakūnio apšvietimo, pagrįsto šviesą emituojančių diodų technologija, panaudojimo galimybes žalumyninių daržovių, želmenų ir daigintų sėklų vidinės kokybės rodikliams valdyti. Mokslinis naujumas. Pirmą kartą nustatyta, kad raudona 638 nm šviesa ir jos derinys su raudona 669 nm, mėlyna 447 nm ir tolimąja raudona 731 nm šviesa paskatina nitratų redukcijos procesus salotose ir kitose žalumyninėse daržovėse. Nustatyta, kad reikšmingam teigiamam efektui žalumyninių daržovių vidinei kokybei pasiekti pakanka jas švitinti didelio tankio fotosintetiškai aktyvios raudonos 638 nm spinduliuotės srautu ~72 h prieš planuojamą derliaus nuėmimą. Pirmą kartą įvertintas kietakūnio apšvietimo spektro efektas skirtingų lietuviškų javų želmenų, lapinių ridikėlių ir daigintų sėklų antioksidacinėms savybėms. Nustatytas teigiamas raudonų 638, 669 nm, mėlynos 447 nm ir tolimosios raudonos 731 nm bangų ilgių deriniui papildomų žalios 518 nm ir geltonos 595 nm šviesos efektas natūraliai aukštomis bioaktyvių medžiagų koncentracijomis audiniuose išsiskiriančių žalumyninių daržovių ir želmenų antioksidacinėms savybėms. Darbo praktinė svarba. Įvertintos originalios konstrukcijos kietakūnio apšvietimo įrenginių taikymo žalumyninių daržovių vidinei kokybei gerinti galimybės. Remiantis darbe nustatytais dėsningumais, parengtas ir patentuotas žalingų nitratų kiekio augaluose sumažinimo, apšvitinant kietakūnio šviestuvo sukuriamu šviesos srautu, metodas ir įrenginys. Atliktų tyrimų... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The aim of the research was to investigate the usability of the solid state lighting, based on light emitting diode technology, for the management of nutritional quality indices in green vegetables and sprouts. Scientific originality. It was determined for the first time, that red 638 nm light and its combination with blue 447 nm, red 669 nm and far red 731 nm light promoted nitrate reduction processes in lettuce and other green vegetables. It is enough to irradiate green vegetables with the high flux of photosyntheticaly active 638 nm red light for ~72 h before harvesting for the pronounced positive effect on their internal quality. The effect of the solid-state lighting spectra on antioxidant properties of Lithuanian cereal greens, leafy radish and sprouted seeds was evaluated for the first time. The positive effect of green 518 nm and yellow 595 nm light, supplemental for the red 638, 669 nm light, blue 447 nm and far red 731 nm light on the antioxidant properties of green vegetables and sprouts, naturally containing higher concentrations of bioactive compounds, was determined. Practical value of the work. Solid-state lighting application possibilities for the improvement of green vegetable internal quality were evaluated. According to defined trends, the method and apparatus for the reduction of harmful nitrates in plants, when irradiating plants with the light flux generated by semiconductor lighting unit, was designed and patented. The complex investigations and... [to full text]

One dimensional (1-D), zinc oxide (ZnO) and copper (II) oxide (CuO), nanostructures have great potential for applications in the fields of optoelectronic and sensor devices. Research on nanostructures is a fascinating field that has evolved during the last few years especially after the utilization of the hydrothermal growth method. Using this method variety of nanostructures can be grown from solutions, it is a cheap, easy, and environment friendly approach. These nanostructures can be synthesized on various conventional and nonconventional substrates such as silicon, plastic, fabrics and paper etc. The primary purpose of the work presented in this thesis is to realize controllable growth of ZnO, CuO and nanohybrid ZnO/CuO nanostructures and to process and develop white light emitting diodes and sensor devices from the corresponding nanostructures. The first part of the thesis deals with ZnO nanostructures grown under different hydrothermal conditions in order to gain a better understanding of the growth. Possible parameters affecting the growth such as the pH, the growth temperature, the growth time, and the precursors  concentration which can alter the morphology of the nanostructures were investigated (paper 1). Utilizing the advantage of the low temperature for growth we synthesized ZnO nanostructures on different substrates, specifically on flexible substrates, which are likely to be integrated with flexible organic substrates for future foldable and disposable electronics (paper 2, 3). In the second part of the thesis, using the results and findings from the growth of ZnO nanostructures, it was possible to successfully implement ZnO nanostructures for white light emitting diodes (LEDs) on different flexible substrates (paper 4, 5). In paper 4 we realized a ZnO/polymer LED grown on a paper substrate. In paper 5 we extended the idea to print the ZnO nanorods/polymer hybrid LEDs with potential application to large area flexible displays. In the last part of the thesis, CuO and nanohybrid ZnO/CuO nanostructures were utilized to fabricate Ag+ detection and humidity sensors. In paper 6 we reported Ag+ selective electrochemical sensor based on the use of functionalized CuO nanopetals. To combine the advantages of both oxides nanostructures and to improve the performance we fabricated a pn-heterojuction using intrinsic n-ZnO nanorods and p-CuO nanostructures which were then utilized as an efficient humidity sensor (paper 7).

Research on nanomaterials has become increasingly popular because of their unique physical, chemical, optical and catalytic properties compared to their bulk counterparts. Therefore, many efforts have been made to synthesize multidimensional nanostructures for new and efficient nanodevices. Among those materials, zinc oxide (ZnO), has gained substantial attention owing to many outstanding properties. ZnO besides its wide bandgap of 3.34 eV exhibits a relatively large exciton binding energy (60 meV) at room temperature which is attractive for optoelectronic applications. Likewise, cupric oxide (CuO), having a narrow band gap of 1.2 eV and a variety of chemo-physical properties that are attractive in many fields. Moreover, composite nanostructures of these two oxides (CuO/ZnO) may pave the way for various new applications. This thesis can be divided into three parts concerning the synthesis, characterization and applications of ZnO, CuO and their composite nanostructures. In the first part the synthesis, characterization and the fabrication of ZnO nanorods based hybrid light emitting diodes (LEDs) are discussed. The low temperature chemical growth method was used to synthesize ZnO nanorods on different substrates, specifically on flexible non-crystalline substrates. Hybrid LEDs based on ZnO nanorods combined with p-type polymers were fabricated at low temperature to examine the advantage of both materials. A single and blended light emissive polymers layer was studied for controlling the quality of the emitted white light. The second part deals with the synthesis of CuO nanostructures (NSs) which were then used to fabricate pH sensors and exploit these NSs as a catalyst for degradation of organic dyes. The fabricated pH sensor exhibited a linear response and good potential stability. Furthermore, the catalytic properties of petals and flowers like CuO NSs in the degradation of organic dyes were studied. The results showed that the catalytic reactivity of the CuO is strongly depending on its shape. In the third part, an attempt to combine the advantages of both ZnO and CuO NSs was performed by developing a two-step chemical growth method to synthesize the composite NSs. The synthesized CuO/ZnO composite NSs revealed an extended light absorption and enhanced defect related visible emission.