A. A. Talin | Searcharxiv

arXiv2021

A multi-technique approach to understanding delithiation damage in LiCoO2 thin films

We report on the delithiation of LiCoO2 thin films using oxalic acid (C2H2O4) with the goal of understanding the structural degradation of an insertion oxide associated with Li chemical extraction. Using a multi-technique approach that includes synchrotron radiation x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, micro Raman spectroscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy and conductive atomic force microscopy we reveal the balance between selective Li extraction and structural damage. We identify three different delithiation regimes, related to surface processes, bulk delithiation and damage generation. We find that only a fraction of the grains is affected by the delithiation process, which may create local inhomogeneities. The chemical route to Li extraction provides additional opportunities to investigate delithiation while avoiding the complications associated with electrolyte breakdown and could simplify in situ measurements.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2006

Size-dependent effects on electrical contacts to nanotubes and nanowires

Metal-semiconductor contacts play a key role in electronics. Here we show that for quasi-one dimensional (Q1D) structures such as nanotubes and nanowires, side contact with the metal only leads to weak band realignment, in contrast with bulk metal-semiconductor contacts. Schottky barriers are much reduced compared with the bulk limit, and should facilitate the formation of good contacts. However, the conventional strategy of heavily doping the semiconductor to obtain Ohmic contacts breaks down as the nanowire diameter is reduced. The issue of Fermi level pinning is also discussed, and it is demonstrated that the unique density of states of Q1D structures makes them less sensitive to this effect. Our results agree with recent experimental work, and should apply to a broad range of Q1D materials.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗