How Does Quantum Confinement Affect Band Structure?
When the size of a material is reduced to the nanoscale, quantum confinement effects become significant. These effects alter the energy levels of the electrons within the material. In bulk materials, energy levels form continuous bands, but in nanomaterials, these levels become discrete, especially when the dimensions are close to or smaller than the de Broglie wavelength of the electrons. This leads to a widening of the band gap, which can significantly change the material's electronic and optical properties.
