Researchers at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis have developed a way to make highly fluorescent quantum dots using sonic energy.

Led by Christoph Naumann, Ph.D., and Bruce Young, Ph.D., the research team used sound energy to catalyze the formation of cadmium selenide nanoparticles and then added a thin shell of zinc sulfide to form highly luminescent quantum dots. Until now, quantum dots were synthesized using high heat and complex process controls to ensure that the resulting nanoparticles were luminescent and of suitable size.

The quantum dots prepared using sonic energy showed key optical properties comparable to commercially available quantum dots. For example, quantum dots prepared using sonic energy were just as bright as those synthesized by conventional methods.

The new method is so easy to carry out that the resulting quantum dots cost far less than those sold by commercial suppliers, meaning that virtually any laboratory can duplicate to create its own quantum dots.

The team's findings were published in the journal, Chemistry of Materials. (photo Chemistry of Materials)