Photo credit: www.sciencedaily.com
The pursuit of advanced materials is intensifying, driven by the pressing technological and environmental needs of our time. Among these materials, nanomaterials are gaining attention, particularly quantum dots, which are recognized for their distinctive properties and extensive application potential. Researchers at ULiège have made noteworthy strides by introducing a more sustainable method for producing these remarkable nanostructures.
Quantum Dots (QDs) are tiny semiconductor particles that exhibit unique optical and electronic characteristics. Their exceptional capacity to accurately absorb and emit light positions them as ideal candidates for various applications, including solar cells, LEDs, medical imaging, and sensors. In their latest research, the ULiège team has achieved a groundbreaking, scalable technique for producing cadmium chalcogenide quantum dots—widely utilized compounds in optoelectronics and nanotechnology—using water as the solvent. This technique employs a new biocompatible chalcogenide source, representing a significant advancement over conventional methods that utilize organic solvents. The fully aqueous, continuous flow process not only enhances sustainability but also emphasizes safety and versatility in the production of advanced nanomaterials.
The collaboration between the CiTOS (Center for Integrated Technology and Organic Synthesis) and MSLab at ULiège led to the creation of a unique water-soluble chalcogenide source along with a fully integrated flow production system that generates high-quality, biocompatible QDs. The findings of this research were published in Chemical Science, while a comprehensive review on sustainable quantum dot production appeared in Materials Science and Engineering R. “We drew inspiration from peptide synthesis, where TCEP is a renowned water-soluble reductant,” remarked Jean-Christophe Monbaliu, Director of CiTOS. “We recognized the potential to utilize it as a safer, scalable chalcogen transfer agent, and the results were impressive.”
To elucidate the interactions between TCEP and chalcogens such as sulfur, selenium, and tellurium, CiTOS partnered with spectroscopy specialist Cédric Malherbe from MSLab. They employed in situ Raman spectroscopy to observe reaction pathways in real time—an innovative technique that is seldom used in this domain. “This project exemplified collaborative effort,” highlighted Malherbe. “We utilized advanced analytical methods to monitor reaction pathways in real-time, which is quite uncommon in this field.”
The newly developed system not only enhances production efficiency but also significantly minimizes waste, lowers energy use, and reduces the need for post-processing. “While cadmium-based quantum dots are known for their high efficiency, concerns over toxicity remain prominent, especially amidst tightening environmental regulations,” noted Carlotta Campalani, a researcher at CiTOS. “We are actively investigating more environmentally friendly, less toxic alternatives that continue to meet high performance standards.”
This research underscores a pragmatic and responsible approach to the industrial-scale production of nanomaterials, reflecting ULiège’s dedication to fostering innovation that bridges chemistry, sustainability, and tomorrow’s technologies.
Source
www.sciencedaily.com