Solar Energy
Bright future for solar panels and screens with new nanocrystal research
Bright future for solar panels and screens with new nanocrystal research
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Oct 16, 2024
Curtin University researchers have made a significant discovery that could enhance everyday technology, from TV screens to solar panels and medical diagnostics. The study, led by Associate Professor Guohua Jia, revealed how to increase the number of molecules, known as ligands, that adhere to zinc sulfide nanocrystals by manipulating the shape of these tiny particles.
Associate Professor Jia from Curtin’s School of Molecular and Life Sciences explained that ligands are essential for influencing the behavior and performance of zinc sulfide nanocrystals across various applications. “Ligands play an important role in controlling the behaviour and performance of zinc sulfide nanocrystals in various important technologies,” Jia said.
The research found that flatter, more uniform particles, termed nanoplatelets, can accommodate a greater number of tightly bound ligands compared to other shapes such as nanodots and nanorods. “In a discovery that could open new possibilities for developing smarter, more advanced devices, our study found flatter, more even particles called nanoplatelets allow more ligands to attach tightly, compared to other shapes like nanodots and nanorods,” Jia explained.
By tailoring the shapes of these nanocrystals, the researchers were able to enhance their interactions with surrounding environments, boosting the efficiency of a wide range of applications. Jia highlighted that these findings could potentially transform the efficiency and performance of products such as LED lights, screens, solar panels, and medical imaging devices.
The discovery also holds promise for advancing optoelectronic devices, which either generate light or utilize it to perform various functions. “Optoelectronics are important in many modern technologies, including telecommunications, medical devices and energy production,” Jia noted. The ability to control the manipulation of light and electricity is vital for the development of faster, more efficient, and compact electronic systems.
The applications include LEDs used in light bulbs and TV screens, solar cells that convert sunlight into electrical power, photodetectors in cameras and sensors, and laser diodes in fiber-optic communication systems.
Research Report:Deciphering surface ligand density of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals: Shape matters
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