Shape Matters



Making molecules stick to the surface of tiny nanocrystals could lead to more efficient solar panels and better diagnostics. 
The lead author of this research is Associate Professor Guohua Jia. He is from the Curtin's School of Molecular and Life Sciences. The study researched how the shape of zinc sulfide nanocrystal allowed ligands to stick to the surface.

His study is titled, "Deciphering surface ligand density of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystal: Shape Matters."  It is published in the journal of the American Chemical Society.

Associate Professor Jia reports, "Ligands plays an important role in controlling the behavior and performance of zinc sulfide nanocrystal in various important technologies. In a discovery that could open new possibilities for developing smarter, more advanced devices, our study found flatter, more even particles called nanoplatelets allow ligands to attach tightly, compared to other shapes like nanodots or nanorods.  By adjusting the shape of these particles, we were able to control how they interacted with their surroundings and make them ore efficient in various applications. From brighter LED lights and screens to more efficient solar panels and more detailed medical imaging, the ability to control particle shapes could revolutionize product efficiency performance.

Associate Professor Jia continued the interview with a discussion about optoelectronics. These devices either produce light or use light to perform its functions. A.P. Jia  claims this discovery could enhance the performance. He summarizes, "Optoelectronics are important in many modern technologies, including telecommunications, medical devices, and energy production. The ability to efficiently manipulate light and electricity is central to the advancement of faster more efficient and more compact electronic systems."
The future is bright! 

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