Radiation Degradation of Nanomaterials
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0887-Q10-07.1
Radiation Degradation of Nanomaterials R.P. Raffaelle1, Cory D. Cress,1 David M. Wilt,2 and S.G. Bailey2 1
Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623 NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH 44135
2
ABSTRACT We have been developing a variety of nanomaterials for their use in power devices. An example of this is our use of both single wall carbon nanotubes and several varieties of semiconducting quantum dots (e.g., CuInS2, CdSe, InAs) for use in space solar cells. The ability of these materials to withstand the rigors of the space radiation environment will be essential for this intended application. In addition, we have also been developing both nanostructure III-V devices and radioluminescent quantum dots for use in radioisotope batteries. In this application these nanomaterials are subjected to an extremely high radiation level. Their degradation rate will be the key to determining the ultimate lifetime of these power supplies, which in principle can have an energy density that is orders of magnitude higher than any conventional battery chemistry. The nanomaterials included in this study were subjected to alpha particles fluences and the degradation in various properties were monitored using different analytical techniques. Specifically, the radioluminescence of the quantum dot intended for use in the radioisotope batteries was monitored as a function of fluence. In the case of the III-V quantum dots, their photoluminescent degradation as a function of fluence was measured in comparison to the bulk substrate on which the quantum dots were grown. Finally for the carbon nanotubes, relative intensities of the Raman peaks associated with their inherent vibrational modes was used to monitor the effects of the alpha radiation damage. Results on the radiation tolerance of these nanomaterials and its implication with regard to their ultimately utility in power devices are presented. INTRODUCTION The use of nanomaterials in power generation and storage has quickly become one of the most exiting areas of science and technology today [1-3]. Many of these applications involve either radiation exposure directly or operation in high radiation environments (i.e., solar or radioisotope exposure [4], space environments[5], etc.). The behavior of nanomaterials, such as single wall carbon nanotubes and semiconducting quantum dots, in these environments is a very important consideration. Radiation tolerance may be as important as many of their other unique and remarkable properties for a host of applications. Carbon nanotubes have been found to posses a wide variety of extremely remarkable properties, most notably high electrical and thermal conductivitity, mechanical strength, and catalytic surface area [6]. These properties imbue carbon nanotubes with tremendous potential for a variety of power generation and storage devices including: Lithium-ion (Li+) batteries, polymeric solar cells, proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, and thermionic power devices [1]. In addition, carbon nanotubes show size
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