| A major challenge for the implementation of nanomaterials in 3-D solid state devices is a dearth of suitable methods for nanoparticle assembly that enable access to individual components and/or facilitate interparticle communication while retaining the unique properties associated with the nanoscale dimensions of the primary component. Sol-gel methodologies represent a tried and true approach to the preparation of nanostructured oxides, proceeding from molecular precursors, to discrete nanoparticles, to nanoparticle assemblies, and are characterized by interconnected matter and pore networks. Recent work has demonstrated that sol-gel methodologies can also be applied to the assembly of metal chalcogenide (sulfide, selenide, telluride) nanoparticles, leading to networks with tunable optical bandgaps and soft Lewis acid/base characteristics. The application of these unique features to renewable energy (e.g., photovoltaics, thermoelectrics) and environmental problems (heavy metal remediation) will be presented. |
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