In 2023, Sweden's Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry to three US-based scientists — Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus and Alexei I. Ekimov. for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots.
The Academy on X (formerly Twitter) said the prize rewards the discovery and development of quantum dots and nanoparticles.
What is Quantum Dots?
Quantum dots are tiny crystals so small that "their size determines their properties" and can be tuned to different colours. These are semiconducting particles just one-thousandth the width of a human hair.
Quantum dots have found many applicability in the industrial and medical sectors. These particles spread their light from television screens and LED lamps. The most common everyday use of quantum dots is probably in "QLED" televisions.
The particles catalyse chemical reactions and their clear light can be used for many applications, including illuminating tumour tissue for conducting surgeries.
Cyril Aymonier, head of France's Institute of Condensed Matter Chemistry, told AFP that these "improve the resolution of the screen and preserve the quality of the colour for longer".
Among its future applicability also lies the possibility that quantum dots could have the potential to double the efficiency of solar cells.
This year’s chemistry laureates - Louis Brus and Alexei Ekimov - succeeded in creating quantum dots independently of each other in the 1980s. In 1993, Russian-born laureate Moungi Bawendi revolutionised the methods for manufacturing quantum dots, making their quality extremely high.
"Researchers have primarily utilised quantum dots to create coloured light. They believe that in the future quantum dots can contribute to flexible electronics, minuscule sensors, slimmer solar cells and perhaps encrypted quantum communication," the academy added.
However, one big problem yet to be solved is most quantum dots are made using cadmium, a toxic heavy metal.
First Published: Oct 6, 2023 12:00 AM IST
Check out our in-depth Market Coverage, Business News & get real-time Stock Market Updates on CNBC-TV18. Also, Watch our channels CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar Live on-the-go!
Lok Sabha Election 2024: Phase 5 voting concludes with over 57% voter turnout, experts weigh in on key battles
May 20, 2024 11:07 PM
BJP holds meeting in Delhi as polling underway for 5th phase
May 20, 2024 4:21 PM
UP Police arrests man after viral videos shows him voting multiple times
May 20, 2024 2:18 PM