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Project

Formation of Colloidal InP Nanoplatelets through Rational Synthesis Design

Colloidal nanocrystals are becoming more and more prevalent in optical and opto-electronic
applications in lighting, energy and life science. This calls for a continuous, rapid progress of the
state-of-the-art in chemical synthesis, in particular to meet the RoHS directive on heavy metals in
terms of material composition, and to further improve their optical properties with targeted
nanocrystal sizes and shapes.
This project meets these demands with the development of a new class of nanocrystals, namely
highly fluorescent 2D indium phosphide (InP) nanoplatelets. A rational design of such a synthesis
requires several steps to be explored. First we plan a combined experimental and theoretical
effort to better understand the nanocrystal nucleation and growth mechanism. A second part of
the project will focus on the nature of the nanocrystal surface. A better understanding of synthesis
mechanism and surface chemistry will yield well-defined, size-controlled InP nanocrystals. Both
aspects are intimately linked to the final shape control. Indeed, as we understand how the
nanocrystal surfaces are terminated, we will be able to steer their respective areas into the
direction of laterally extended, thin and atomically flat 2D nanoplatelets. With the 2D InP
nanocrystals we aim to unlock a new generation of bright nano-emitters that display superior
optical properties compared to current spherical InP quantum dots, and one day may replace
current cadmium-based nanocrystal technology.

Date:1 Oct 2018 →  31 Dec 2022
Keywords:Nanoplatelets
Disciplines:Organic chemistry, Theoretical and computational chemistry, Inorganic chemistry, Other chemical sciences