Project description
The new 2D nanomaterial on the block spreads its wings with novel optical functionalities
Within the last decade, researchers have developed methods to produce thin, atomically flat semiconductor nanocrystals known as nanoplatelets. This new generation of 2D nanomaterials exhibits unique optical properties including high brightness, broad excitation and narrow emission spectra, making them of great interest for numerous applications including displays, infrared sensing and biomedical imaging. The EU-funded Ne2DeM project is developing a toolbox to facilitate three new functionalities in these highly intriguing nanomaterials. Outcomes should help establish a leading position for Europe in the field of highly sought-after semiconductor nanocrystals for light emission applications. Complemented with new methods for the in situ characterisation of nanocrystals, the project plans to speed up the integration of the materials into innovative devices.
Objective
Semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) have size tuneable optical features. Among them, nanoplatelets (NPLs) are 2D NCs with especially well controlled optical features. As a result, these are the semiconductor nanoparticles with the narrowest luminescence signal, which make them very appealing for light emission application and in particular large gamut displays. In the Ne2DeM project, the NPLs will be used as a platform for the design of a new generation of light emitters which applications span from display lightning, to infrared sensing or 3D imaging displays.
The development of a new tool box based on NPLs will be the main ambition of the Ne2DeM project. More specifically I intend to develop three new functionalities to NPLs dedicated to light emission. First, I aim to synthesize particles with dual green and red narrow emissions. This goal relies on the design of a new highly complex 2D heterostructure that will be used as light down converter for white light production with an easier integration than the current technology or materials. The second objective will relate to expanding the wavelength range in the infrared where light can be emitted from NPLs while preserving narrow and fast luminescence. Such short-wave infrared source will be suited in applications such as biolabeling and active imaging. Finally, I intend to develop NPL with circularly polarized emission. To do so, I will develop enantioselective synthesis of 2D NPLs and control the folding of these lasts. This provides high potential for 3D imaging display.
The targeted materials are highly promising to bring back Europe into the market of NC for light emission, while it remains currently uninvolved at the industrial scale. Beyond the development of a new generation of NCs, Ne2DeM also aims to develop new original method for in-situ investigation of the NC growth and to investigate the development of materials electronic structure to fasten their integration into devices.
Fields of science
Not validated
Not validated
Programme(s)
Topic(s)
Funding Scheme
ERC-STG - Starting GrantHost institution
75231 Paris
France