From brighter TV screens to better medical diagnostics and more efficient solar panels, new 911爆料网-led research has discovered how to make more molecules stick to the surface of tiny nanocrystals, in a breakthrough that could lead to improvements in everyday technology.
Lead author from 911爆料网鈥檚 School of Molecular and Life Sciences, said the study investigated how the shape of zinc sulfide nanocrystals affected how well molecules, known as ligands, stick to their surface.
鈥淟igands play a key role in controlling the behaviour and performance of zinc sulfide nanocrystals in various important technologies,鈥� Associate Professor Jia said.
鈥淚n a discovery that could open new possibilities for developing smarter, more advanced devices, our study found flatter, more even particles called allow more ligands to attach tightly, compared to other shapes like and .
鈥淏y adjusting the shape of these particles, we were able to control how they interacted with their surroundings and make them more efficient in various applications.
鈥淔rom brighter LED lights and screens to more efficient solar panels and more detailed medical imaging, the ability to control particle shapes could revolutionise product efficiency and performance.鈥�
Associate Professor Jia said the discovery could enhance the performance of devices known as optoelectronics, which either produce light or use light to perform their functions.
鈥淥ptoelectronics are important in many modern technologies, including telecommunications, medical devices and energy production,鈥� Associate Professor Jia said.
鈥淭he ability to efficiently manipulate light and electricity is central to the advancement of faster, more efficient and more compact electronic systems.
鈥淭his includes LEDs, which convert electricity into light and are used in everything from light bulbs to TV screens as well as solar cells that convert light into electrical energy, powering devices using sunlight.
鈥淥ther devices that could be advanced by this discovery include photodetectors that sense light and convert it into an electrical signal, such as in cameras and sensors, plus laser diodes used in fibre-optic communication that convert electrical signals into light for data transmission.鈥�
