The use of semiconductive nanocrystals known as quantum dots is expanding both in pure science and in practical applications such as lasers, quantum QLED televisions, solar cells, medical devices, and other electronics. A new technique for growing these microscopic crystals was published in Science, providing a more efficient way to build quantum dots and opening up a range of novel chemical materials for future exploration. The team behind this research included researchers from the University of Chicago, University of California Berkeley, Northwestern University, the University of Colorado Boulder, and Argonne National Laboratory.
By replacing the organic solvents typically used in creating nanocrystals with molten salt, the researchers were able to achieve remarkable results in the growth of quantum dots. This superheated sodium chloride, which becomes a liquid at high temperatures, provided an unconventional medium for colloidal synthesis, allowing for the growth of previously inaccessible materials found in the third and fifth groups of the periodic table. This breakthrough in molten salt synthesis has the potential to advance both fundamental and applied research in the field of nanocrystals.
While quantum dots have been widely used for various commercial applications and have even received a Nobel Prize in Chemistry, much of the previous research focused on using II-VI materials from the second and sixth groups of the periodic table. However, more promising materials for quantum dots can be found in III-V materials, which are used in efficient solar cells, bright LEDs, powerful semiconductor lasers, and fast electronic devices. The use of molten salt synthesis now allows researchers to explore these materials and potentially revolutionize the field of nanocrystals.
One of the key advantages of using molten salt in nanocrystal synthesis is its ability to withstand high temperatures, enabling the growth of materials that were previously inaccessible due to the limitations of organic solvents. The strong polarity of salt, which was initially seen as a barrier to growing crystals, proved to be beneficial in this new technique. The new building blocks created through this method have the potential to advance the development of quantum and classical computers, as well as open up new materials for study and future technologies.
The research team behind this breakthrough is excited about the possibilities that these new materials offer in various fields of science and technology. By unlocking the ability to synthesize nearly a dozen new nanocrystal compositions, they are paving the way for future advancements in quantum dots, electronics, and other applications. This innovative approach to nanocrystal synthesis not only expands the frontier of scientific exploration but also has the potential to impact society through the development of cutting-edge technologies and materials.