Fabrication and characterization of thin films and coatings

Date
2015
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University of Delaware
Abstract
Surface and interfacial chemistry is a major, well-researched topic in science. From microelectronics to biosensors to catalysis, surface chemistry research is applicable to many different areas. This dissertation focuses on three of these areas: photovoltaics, protective coatings, and a novel nanoparticle deposition procedure. These three areas are all related through energy-related research. An additional focus is placed on the understanding of the systems' chemistries at the molecular level. Several surface spectroscopic and microscopic techniques are utilized to understand the systems. Spectroscopic techniques include Fourier-transfrom infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Surface microscopic techniques include scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM). Additionally, nanoindentation measurements are used to determine Young's modulus for the protective coatings. For some studies, density functional theory models were used to complement experimental results, and predict pathways.
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