Colloidal quantum dots (nanocrystals) possess size-dependent optical properties, broad absorptions, and narrow emissions, making them desirable for applications ranging from display technologies to biological imaging. Attaining these nanocrystals can require time-consuming syntheses, but use of microwave reactors opens the door for new and often faster reaction pathways. Tailoring reactions through changing the microwave-absorbing molecules, use of ionic liquids, and employing lower-boiling solvents are a few methods for designing new nanocrystal syntheses. Comparison of microwave reactor parameters including power, vessels, and temperature provides insight into the how to better use microwave-assisted methods and different precursors also influence the product nanocrystals, providing an additional handle to control nanocrystal properties. Using microwave-assisted synthesis, nanocrystals with different morphologies, sizes, and optical properties are readily obtained. Understanding and optimizing these, as well as other new microwave-assisted methods, can provide simpler routes to high quality materials.

Rapid heat-up synthesis of quantum dots with color-tunable photoluminescence

255th National Meeting (2018)

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