By Sparsh Bhimrajka
Prize laureates in chemistry – Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus and Alexei I. Ekimov – planted seeds for the rich field of nanoscience to grow. Prize earned for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots.
1) Physicists had long known that in theory size-dependent quantum effects could arise in nanoparticles, but at that time it was almost impossible to sculpt in nano-dimensions. Therefore, few people believed that this knowledge would be put to practical use.
2)However, in the early 1980s, Alexei Ekimov succeeded in creating size-dependent quantum effects in coloured glass. The colour came from nanoparticles of copper chloride and Ekimov demonstrated that the particle size affected the colour of the glass via quantum effects.
3) A few years later, Louis Brus was the first scientist in the world to prove size-dependent quantum effects in particles floating freely in a fluid. This was groundbreaking work that helped advance the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots.
4) In 1993, Moungi Bawendi revolutionised the chemical production of quantum dots, resulting in almost perfect particles, something most people thought was impossible. This high quality was necessary for them to be utilised in applications.
5) Quantum dots now illuminate computer monitors and television screens based on QLED technology. They also add nuance to the light of some LED lamps, and biochemists and doctors use them to map biological tissue.
6) Quantum dots are thus bringing the greatest benefit to humankind. Researchers believe that in the future they could contribute to flexible electronics, tiny sensors, thinner solar cells and encrypted quantum communication – so we have just started exploring the potential of these tiny particles.
コメント