Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2023

Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2023

Subject :Science and technology

Section: Msc

Context: The Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2023 has been conferred upon Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus, and Alexei I. Ekimov for their groundbreaking work on quantum dots.

Contributions of Nobel Laureates

• Louis E. Brus and Alexei I. Ekimov, in the early 1980s, independently created quantum dots, demonstrating the significance of quantum effects in nanoparticle behavior.
• Moungi G. Bawendi revolutionized quantum dot manufacturing methods in 1993, ensuring high-quality production, a crucial requirement for nanotechnology applications.

About Quantum Dots

• Quantum dots are nanoparticles with unique properties, whose characteristics are governed by quantum effects.
• They emit clear light and are used in television screens, LED lamps, and medical applications.
• Their applications range from catalyzing chemical reactions to illuminating tumor tissue for surgical procedures.

Applications Of Q-Dots

• Quantum dots are considered to bring significant benefits to humankind, with their potential applications still being explored.
• These tiny particles could revolutionize fields such as electronics, healthcare, and quantum communication.
• Quantum dots are now an essential tool in the field of nanotechnology.
• They have been instrumental in creating colored light and are envisioned to play a role in flexible electronics, sensors, thin solar cells, and encrypted quantum communication.
• QLED TVs are capable of emitting all colours depending on their size. Thus QLED TVs provide high-definition, brighter and more colorful displays.
• Quantum dots exhibit specific opto-electronic properties. They can be used for fluorescence imaging where quantum dots are injected in the body which when encounters a cancer cell attaches to it. When you shine a light of certain frequency it lights up and doctors can exactly target these cells.
• Q-dots are used in solar cells with higher efficiency.
• In bio-sensors, Q-dot sensors can detect the presence of pathogens in food or water, or monitor the levels of pollutants in the environment.
• In biomedical imaging, Q-dot can revolutionise fluorescence imaging, MRI, and CT scans with its high sensitivity.