Theoretical Bounds on Electron Energy Filtering in Disordered Nanomaterials

This manuscript presents a theoretical model for determining the electron energy filtering properties of nanocomposite materials. Individual nanoparticles can serve as energy filters for tunneling electrons due their discretized energy levels. Nanomaterials comprised of many individual nanoparticles can in principle serve the same purpose, however, particle polydispersity can lead to an additional source of energetic broadening. We describe a simple theoretical model that includes the effects of discrete energy levels and inhomogeneous broadening. We use this model to identify the material parameters needed for effective energy filtering by quantum dot solids.