The Nobel-Winning World of Quantum Dots

The recent announcement of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2023 being awarded to Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus, and Alexei I. Ekimov for their pioneering work on quantum dots underscores the profound impact of this groundbreaking invention. 

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But what are Quantum Dots?

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Quantum dots, often described as nanoscale semiconductors, have been used in next-generation displays and in the most advanced medical diagnostics machines. 

Quantum dots are tiny man-made particles typically measuring just a few nanometers in diameter or 10^(-9) ( one nanometer is one-billionth of a meter).

What makes quantum dots truly remarkable is their ability to manipulate light and electrons at the quantum level. This unique property grants them a diverse array of applications across various scientific fields and industries.

Here are some applications of quantum dots:

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1. Advanced Displays: Quantum dots have revolutionized display technology. By incorporating nanostructures, manufacturers have been able to produce brighter, more vibrant, and energy-efficient displays. The quantum dots emit pure, vivid colors, making them ideal for high-definition TVs, smartphones, and computer monitors [2].

2. Targeted Medicine: In the field of medicine, quantum dots are being harnessed for precise drug delivery and in vivo imaging. Their ability to emit specific wavelengths of light depending on their size allows for highly accurate tracking of drug distribution within the body [3], among other applications (see image 1). This promises more effective treatments with fewer side effects.

3. Solar Cells: Quantum dots have shown tremendous potential in the development of highly efficient and flexible solar cells. Their tunable properties enable them to capture a broader spectrum of sunlight, increasing energy conversion efficiency [4].

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4. Quantum Computing: Quantum dots have the ability to trap and manipulate single electrons, making them a candidate for use in quantum bits, or qubits, which are the fundamental building blocks of quantum computers [5,6].

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Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs)

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There is a special branch in the field of QD’s that has gained popularity among researchers, “Carbon quantum dots”, a subset of quantum dots composed solely of carbon atoms. Their unique structure and properties have garnered significant attention from researchers worldwide.

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 Here are some notable aspects of CQDs:

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1. Sustainable Materials: CQDs are typically derived from readily available and sustainable sources, such as carbon-rich organic compounds [7]. This makes them environmentally friendly and economically viable.

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2. Biocompatible: CQDs exhibit excellent biocompatibility, making them ideal for various biomedical applications. They can be used for bioimaging [8], drug delivery [9], and even cancer therapy [10].

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3. Photoluminescence: Like traditional semiconductor quantum dots, CQDs can also emit light, but their emissions can be precisely tuned by controlling their size and surface functionalization. This tunability is advantageous for applications in displays, sensors, and optical devices.

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4. Energy Conversion: CQDs have shown promise in the development of next-generation solar cells [11], supercapacitors [12]  and energy storage devices. Their ability to efficiently convert sunlight into electricity makes them a candidate for sustainable energy solutions.

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Why the Nobel Prize?

So, why did the Nobel Prize in Chemistry recognize the work of Bawendi, Brus, and Ekimov? Their contributions to the field of quantum dots have been pivotal in advancing our understanding of nanoscale materials and their applications. They've not only developed innovative methods for synthesizing quantum dots but have also uncovered the fundamental science governing their behavior. 

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Furthermore, their work has opened up new possibilities across various domains, from consumer electronics to healthcare and clean energy. Quantum dots are at the forefront of a technological revolution that promises to reshape industries and improve our lives. In recognizing their achievements, the Nobel Committee highlights the profound impact of quantum dots on both scientific research and practical applications.

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Interestingly enough, several research groups have manufactured CQDs from sargassum algae [13,14], which is a biomass that has been harming the Caribbean Coast for the last 12 years. This remarkable innovation not only showcases the versatility of CQDs but also highlights their potential in utilizing sustainable and abundant biomass sources.

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For us at BioPlaster Research, CQDs derived from sargassum open up a new and exciting avenue for exploration. The integration of sargassum-derived CQDs could potentially revolutionize our biomass-based products, aligning perfectly with our commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. It's a testament to how scientific breakthroughs, such as CQDs, can lead to unexpected synergies and drive innovation in surprising directions.

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References:

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1. Efros, A. L., & Brus, L. E. (2021). Nanocrystal Quantum Dots: From Discovery to Modern Development. En ACS Nano (Vol. 15, Número 4, pp. 6192–6210). American Chemical Society. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.1c01399.
2. Shu, Y., Lin, X., Qin, H., Hu, Z., Jin, Y., & Peng, X. (2020). Quantum Dots for Display Applications. Angewandte Chemie, 132(50), 22496–22507. https://doi.org/10.1002/ange.202004857
3. Abdellatif, Ah. A. H., Tawfeek, H. M., Younis, M. A., Alsharidah, M., & Al Rugaie, O. (2022). Biomedical Applications of Quantum Dots: Overview, Challenges, and Clinical Potential. En International Journal of Nanomedicine (Vol. 17, pp. 1951–1970). Dove Press. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S357980
4. Nozik, A. J. (2002). Quantum dot solar cells. Physica E: Low-Dimensional Systems and Nanostructures, 14(1–2), 115–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1386-9477(02)00374-0
5. Brown, K. R., Lidar, D. A., & Whaley, K. B. (2002). Quantum computing with quantum dots on quantum linear supports. Physical Review A - Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics, 65(1), 19. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.65.012307
6. Wu, G. Y., Lue, N.-Y., & Chang, L. (2011). Graphene quantum dots for valley-based quantum computing: A feasibility study. Physical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics, 84(19), 195463. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.84.195463
7. Jelinek, R. (2017). Carbon Quantum Dots: Synthesis, Properties and Applications (Carbon Nanostructures). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-43911-2
8. Cao L, Yang ST, Wang X, Luo PG, Liu JH, Sahu S, Liu Y, Sun YP. Competitive performance of carbon "quantum" dots in optical bioimaging. Theranostics. 2012;2(3):295-301. https://do.org/10.7150/thno.3912
9. Nair, A., Haponiuk, J. T., Thomas, S., & Gopi, S. (2020). Natural carbon-based quantum dots and their applications in drug delivery: A review. In Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy (Vol. 132, p. 110834). Elsevier Masson. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110834
10. Desmond, L. J., Phan, A. N., & Gentile, P. (2021). Critical overview on the green synthesis of carbon quantum dots and their application for cancer therapy. In Environmental Science: Nano (Vol. 8, Issue 4, pp. 848–862). Royal Society of Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1039/d1en00017a
11. Carolan, D., Rocks, C., Padmanaban, D. B., Maguire, P., Svrcek, V., & Mariotti, D. (2017). Environmentally friendly nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots for next generation solar cells. Sustainable Energy and Fuels, 1(7), 1611–1619. https://doi.org/10.1039/c7se00158d
12. Xiao, J., Momen, R., & Liu, C. (2021). Application of carbon quantum dots in supercapacitors: A mini review. In Electrochemistry Communications (Vol. 132, p. 107143). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.elecom.2021.107143
13. Godavarthi, S., Mohan Kumar, K., Vázquez Vélez, E., Hernandez-Eligio, A., Mahendhiran, M., Hernandez-Como, N., Aleman, M., & Martinez Gomez, L. (2017). Nitrogen doped carbon dots derived from Sargassum fluitans as fluorophore for DNA detection. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 172, 36–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.05.014
14. Castañeda-Serna, H. U., Calderón-Domínguez, G., De la Paz Salgado-Cruz, M., García-Bórquez, A., & Farrera-Rebollo, R. R. (2021). Pelagic Sargassum as Source of Quantum Dots. In Nanotechnology in the Life Sciences (pp. 153–168). Springer Science and Business Media B.V. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-81557-8_7

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