How Do Defects Affect Properties of Nanomaterials?
Defects can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on the properties of nanomaterials:
Mechanical Properties: Defects can either weaken or strengthen nanomaterials. For instance, the presence of dislocations can enhance the ductility of a material, while vacancies might reduce its strength. Electronic Properties: Point defects can act as traps for charge carriers, thereby affecting the electrical conductivity. Line defects, like dislocations, can also influence the band structure of semiconductors. Chemical Reactivity: Surface defects can serve as active sites for catalysis, enhancing the material's reactivity. Conversely, certain defects might also lead to undesirable reactions. Optical Properties: Defects such as vacancies and interstitials can affect the optical properties of nanomaterials by introducing localized states within the bandgap, influencing absorption and emission spectra.
