Nanocrystal Ordering Enhances Thermal Transport and Mechanics in Single-Domain Colloidal Nanocrystal Superlattices

Colloidal nanocrystal (NC) assemblies are promising for optoelectronic, photovoltaic, and thermoelectric applications. However, using these materials can be challenging in actual devices because they have a limited range of thermal conductivity and elastic modulus, which results in heat dissipation and mechanical robustness challenges. Here, we report thermal transport and mechanical measurements on single-domain colloidal PbS nanocrystal superlattices (NCSLs) that have long-range order as well as measurements on nanocrystal films (NCFs) that are comparatively disordered. Over an NC diameter range of 3.0-6.1 nm, we observe that NCSLs have thermal conductivities and Young's moduli that are up to similar to 3 times higher than those of the corresponding NCFs. We also find that these properties are more sensitive to NC diameter in NCSLs relative to NCFs. Our measurements computational modeling indicate that stronger ligand-ligand interactions due to enhanced ligand interdigitation and alignment in NCSLs account for the improved thermal transport and mechanical properties.

Automated summary

Colloidal nanocrystal assemblies show promise for various applications, but using them in actual devices can be challenging. This study finds that colloidal PbS nanocrystal superlattices with long-range order have higher thermal conductivities and Young's moduli compared to comparatively disordered nanocrystal films. The improved properties are attributed to enhanced ligand-ligand interactions in the superlattices.