In October 2023, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to three scientists (Aleksey Yekimov, Louis Brus and Moungi Bawendi) for their roles in the discovery and development of quantum dots (QDs).
At the nanoscale, the properties of matter are determined by quantum phenomena, and governed by size. QDs are nanoparticles of light-emitting semiconductors, so tiny that the wavelength of light they emit is determined by their size, not their chemistry. By carefully controlling the synthesis process, manufacturers can create QDs that emit light across the breadth of the visible spectrum and into the infrared. QDs are already used for QLED televisions and computer monitors and for medical applications such as identifying and mapping tumours.
However, most are based on cadmium selenide, a toxic metal system that creates challenges for manufacturing, disposal and medical use. Indium phosphide (InP), already in commercial use, is a promising replacement.
Nanoco Group PLC (LON:NANO) leads the world in the research, development and large-scale manufacture of heavy metal-free nanomaterials for use in displays, lighting, vertical farming, solar energy and bio-imaging.
