Trio wins 2023 Chemistry Nobel for ‘quantum dots’

Topic:

"for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots"

Nobel Laureates:

1Alexei Ekimov

Synthesised the first quantum dots in glass

2Louis Brus

Synthesised the first quantum dots in liquid

first scientist in the world to prove size-dependent quantum effects in particles floating freely in a fluid

3Moungi Bawendi

Creation of crystals of Quantum Dots

Chemical production of quantum dots

Quantum Dots are:

1Nanoparticles

2QUANTUM DOTS – SEEDS OF NANOSCIENCE

3Crystals of just a few nanometres wide

4Contains only a few thousand atoms

5Their size determines their properties

6Their properties are determined by quantum phenomena

when particles become extremely small there is less space for the material’s electrons.

In turn, the electrons – which are both waves and particles – are squeezed together.

Schrödinger equation – Quantum Mechanics Equation

At this nanoscale, the effects of quantum mechanics are more apparent.

When some light is shined on a quantum dot, it will absorb and re-emit it at a different frequency, or colour.

Their colour depends on the size of the dot:

Smaller the dot, bluer the colour of the re-emitted light

This relationship between size and colour is the result of electrons in the atoms jumping from a lower to a higher energy level, before jumping back.

The gap between these levels depends on the size of the dot.

Applications:

Quantum dots are now found in commercial products and used across many scientific disciplines, from physics and chemistry to medicine.

Nano Technology

Televisions QLED Screens ( Q- Quantum Dots) and LED lamps

Quantum Computers

Flexible electronics

Miniscule sensors

Slimmer solar cells

Encrypted quantum communication

Biochemistry and Medicine

The light from quantum dots can also be used in biochemistry and medicine

Quantum dots can be attached to biomolecules to map cells and organs

Potential use of quantum dots to track tumour tissue in the body

Chemists use quantum dots to drive chemical reactions

Quantum dots are thus bringing the greatest benefit to humankind, and we have just begun to explore their potential.