Researchers at NIST have developed a new, simplified process for creating high-quality, water-soluble quantum dots using a microwave reactor. This method avoids a problematic step in the conventional approach, resulting in brighter, more stable quantum dots that are easier and cheaper to produce.
Quantum dots are nanoscale semiconductor crystals that fluoresce at specific colors. They are widely used in biological research for detecting and tracking biomarkers. The NIST process uses a microwave reactor to promote the synthesis of the nanomaterials, working at half the temperature of conventional methods. The resulting quantum dots are highly uniform, efficient, and stable in aqueous solutions for over four months.
This new microwave synthesis method could make quantum dots more accessible for biological research applications, particularly in cancer research for detecting and tracking specific cells and biomarkers. The process uses commercially available materials and avoids the need for an intermediate ligand exchange step that can alter the luminescence and stability of the dots.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2008/06/microwave-synthesis-connects-quantum-dots
Keywords: Dots, Luminescent, Nanoscale, Quantum, Semiconductor
