Dear Researchers,
How to know the Fermi level position of the nano particle?
You can measure ultraviolet and inverse photoemission to get the Fermi-level position with respect to the band edges.
Generally Fermi Level of Nanoparticle varies with size of the NP. Unlike bulk material, nanoparticles have discrete energy levels due to the confinement of the electron wavefunction. Changing the size of NP the bandgap of the system changes, and fermi level also shifts accordingly. So from the band structure analysis, calculation the band gap or from density of state you can calculate the fermi level.
Dear John Peter,
in addition to the upper remarks I want to say, that it is important to define in experiments the absolute position of the quasi-Fermi-level. This is done by using a grounded metallic substrate, where the material is contacted with. For instance you use a gold-foil and contact it with the zero-potential of the electro cable (yellow-green) or better a special grounded contact. This is the reference for your Fermi-level. Then you can carry out experiments. As an example: If you measure photo electron spectra, then the energies are related to the Fermi-level. You get nonsens, if the related zero-point is undefined.
Yours
R. Mitdank
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