How Does Quantum Confinement Affect Nanomaterials?
Quantum confinement occurs when the dimensions of a material are reduced to a size comparable to the de Broglie wavelength of electrons. This restriction alters the energy levels, leading to discrete energy states. It significantly impacts the band gap of semiconductors, modifying their optical and electronic properties. For instance, quantum dots can emit different colors of light depending on their size due to these altered energy levels.
