MEM-C Lecture: Colloidal Inorganic Nanocrystals: Properties, Applications, Perspectives

Abstract: Colloidal inorganic nanocrystals (NCs) are among the most exploited nanomaterials to date due to their extreme versatility. Research on NCs went through much advancement in the last twenty years, for example in the synthesis, which opened up the possibility to control their size, shape and chemical composition. An additional step forward was the creation of a wide range of superstructures from the assembly of such NCs, which can be thought of as new types of artificial solids. This, coupled with the possibility to replace the native ligands on the surface of the NCs with various molecules, and even single atom ligands, has conferred unique electrical features to films of NCs that make them attractive for low cost alternatives to many technologies. Progress also came from the study of chemical transformations in NCs. An emerging area of research is that of nanocrystals of halide perovskites. The present talk will therefore highlight current trends in the various aspects of NCs, with emphasis on energy related applications and their societal impact, and will provide an outlook on future developments in these fields.