How Do Atomic Scale Defects Affect Material Properties?
Atomic scale defects can alter several properties of nanomaterials:
Electronic properties: Defects can create localized states in the band gap, affecting the material's electrical conductivity and semiconducting properties. Mechanical properties: The presence of defects can influence the mechanical strength and elasticity of nanomaterials. Optical properties: Defects can introduce new energy levels, altering the optical absorption and emission characteristics. Catalytic properties: Defects can serve as active sites for catalytic reactions, enhancing the material's catalytic activity.