Research into the synthesis of new materials could lead to more sustainable and eco-friendly items. Scientists from Ames National Laboratory and Iowa State University have developed a method for making chalcogenide. The method allows them to change the size of thecrystals. They were able to assess the purity and optical properties of the materials they studied. The paper "Alkaline- Earth chalcogenide Nanocrystals: Solution-Phase Synthesis, Surface Chemistry, and Stability" was published in the American Chemical Society's journal.
Scientists are interested in alkaline earth chalcogenide, a type of Semiconductor. There are a number of possible applications for them. These compounds could be used to make optical materials.
One reason these new materials are of interest is because they are comprised of earth abundant and biocompatible elements, which make them favorable alternatives compared to the more widely used toxic.
The elements that are harmful to human health and the environment are found in more widely used Semiconductors. Scientists use the most popular method to synthesise these materials. Reaction times can last from days to weeks at extremely high temperatures.
The solution-phase chemistry can be done using much lower temperatures and times. The colloidal method requires less time to synthesise the materials.
The method of synthesis allowed them to control the size of thecrystals. The optical properties of certain materials are determined by the size of thecrystal. The size of the particles can be changed by scientists. He said that changing the size of thecrystal could allow for the creation of materials that are more suited for specific applications.
The team's original goal was to make chalcogenide perovskites, which could be used in solar devices. They needed a deeper understanding of the chemistry of the alkaline earth. They focused on these materials.
Scientists need to better understand photovoltaic, luminescent, and thermoelectric materials that are made of earth-abundant and non-toxic elements. He hopes that the developments with this project will aid in the synthesis of more complex nanomaterials.
The authors of the study were included.
More information: Alison N. Roth et al, Alkaline-Earth Chalcogenide Nanocrystals: Solution-Phase Synthesis, Surface Chemistry, and Stability, ACS Nano (2022). DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c02116 Journal information: ACS Nano
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