Any material at the nanoscale is a nanoparticle, the material used by nanotechnology researchers to explore new uses for elements in this tiny form. A quantum dot is a nanoparticle made of any semiconductor material such as silicon, cadmium selenide, cadmium sulfide, or indium arsenide.
Quantum dots may be able to increase the efficiency of solar cells. In normal solar cells, a photon of light generates one electron. Experiments with both silicon quantum dots and lead sulfide quantum dots can generate two electrons for a single photon of light. Therefore, using quantum dots in solar cells could significantly increase their efficiency in producing electric power.
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.
