. . . . . . . . . .    ANM 2010     3rd International Conference on Advanced Nano Materials     12-15 September 2010 - Agadir, Morocco Back    Abstract ANMM227 METAL OXIDE NANOWIRES FOR SENSORS AND SOLAR CELLS  C. Baratto, A. Braga, E. Comini, S. Todros, I. Concina, G. Faglia, M. Ferroni, G. Jimenez, A. Ponzoni,  A. Vomiero and  G. Sberveglieri  CNR-IDASC SENSOR Lab & University of Brescia, BRESCIA , Italy . Nanowires of semiconducting metal-oxide are investigated in order to produce a novel class of sensing devices. These fascinating nanostructures may be produced in several unusual arrangements such as nanowires, nanorods, or nanocombs, resulting in great potential for application. The synthesis of quasi 1-dimensional nanostructures of Sn, Zn oxides is based on the thermal decomposition of precursor powders followed by vapor-solid (VS) or vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) process. Such a growth occurs in controlled thermodynamic condition and is highly promising for nanostructure fabrication, due to its flexibility and low cost with respect to the technology of silicon processing and to other top-down approaches. The electrical and optical properties of nanowires have been investigated. The effect of reactive gases on the electrical conductance of semiconducting metal-oxides nanowires is the basic mechanism for the development of nanodevices with enhanced sensing performance. Photoluminescence spectroscopy was also performed for the purpose of investigating the behavior of photoluminescence spectrum in presence of reactive gases. Applications of nanowires to third generation solar cells has also been investigated.Excitonic solar cells (either dye- or quantum dot-sensitized) are strong candidates for development in the field. Among the very recent and most promising advances in excitonic cells, integration of single crystal nanowires of transparent conducting oxides in photoanodes has been considered. The beneficial effect of the composite network of mixed nanocrystalline powders and single crystalline nanowires will be analyzed and discussed from the viewpoint of the functional features of the cells either dye- or quantum dot-sensitized. . © nanoAC . . . . . . . . . .

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