RASEI Researchers unlock a 'new synthetic frontier' for quantum dots
In a breakthrough for nanotechnology, researchers have discovered a new way to synthesize quantum dot nanocrystals using molten salt as a medium. Traditional methods to create these materials required organic solvents, which cannot withstand the high temperatures needed for certain semiconductor materials, particularly those combining elements from groups III and V on the periodic table. By using superheated molten sodium chloride, scientists were able to synthesize these semiconductor nanocrystals, paving the way for improved applications in fields like quantum computing, LED lighting, and solar technology.
Led by a team from the University of Chicago and collaborating institutions, including RASEI Fellows Sadegh Yazdi and Gordana Dukovic, this novel method also opens new avenues for materials science by enabling the synthesis of previously inaccessible nanocrystal compositions. The technique addresses long-standing challenges by providing a high-temperature environment without degrading the materials. Researchers hope this advance will contribute to new types of devices and materials, marking a significant expansion in the range of accessible quantum dot technologies.
For a more information, please see the press release from The University of Chicago.