Optoelectronic and charge carrier hopping properties of ultra-thin boron nitride nanotubes

Optoelectronic properties of ultra-thin boron nitride nanotubes and charge carrier hopping properties between them were investigated within density functional theory. The study encompassed calculations of optoelectronic quantities, such as reorganization energies, oxidation and reduction potentials and charge carrier hopping rates between mentioned nanotubes. Charge coupling was calculated applying full quantum mechanical treatment, while Marcus theory was used for calculations of charge carrier hopping rates. Results indicate differences between investigated types of boron nitride nanotubes. With the increase in dimensions of boron nitride nanotubes optoelectronic properties are improving, while charge carrier hopping rates are the highest for (6,0) boron nitride nanotube. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.