Research Theme 1:
Precision Synthesis
Research Theme 1: Precision Synthesis
Research Theme 1 (RT-1) includes the teams that are developing new chemical reactions to synthesize the building blocks that make up the next generation of optoelectronic devices.
Transforming optical technologies with colloidal quantum dots begins with synthesizing novel materials that have superior performance and can be easily handled and incorporated into devices and applications. Members of RT-1 are advancing the fundamental science underpinning colloidal semiconductors.
Combining multi-level theory and experimentation the team engaged in RT-1 are innovating techniques to control the precision synthesis of colloidal materials and their surfaces to produce quantum dots with advanced combinations of color purity (linewidth), stability, brightness, and processability from ensembles down to single dot precision.
RT-1’s collaboration with RT-2 revolves around the design of new materials that enable accurate and reliable placement of the new materials in device architectures. RT-1’s collaboration with RT-3 uses the feedback from device engineers to innovate on new materials that have properties desired in new device structures.
Find out more about the IMOD members participating in RT-1 research, and check out some of the recent RT-1 publications.
Recent RT-1 Publications

Point Defect Induced Potential Wells across the m-Plane of Core/Shell GaN Nanowires
PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI RAPID RESEARCH LETTERS, 2025, 2500145
https://doi.org/10.1002/pssr.202500145

Defect Passivation via Dual-Ligand Surface Modification for Bright and Stable Blue Emission in CsPbBr3 Nanoplatelets
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS, 2025, ASAP
https://doi.org/10.1002/adom.202501375

Cation interdiffusion control for 2D/3D heterostructure formation and stabilization in inorganic perovskite solar modules
NATURE ENERGY, 2025, ASAP
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41560-025-01817-6

Colloidal quantum dots for optoelectronics
NATURE REVIEWS METHODS PRIMERS, 2025, 5, 42
https://doi.org/10.1038/s43586-025-00413-y

Design of Zn Chalcogenide Shells for Emissive Ga-Rich In1–XGaXAs Quantum Dots Synthesized in Molten Salts
ACS NANO, 2025, ASAP
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.5c04078

Room-Temperature Quantum Emission from CuZn–VS Defects in ZnS:Cu Colloidal Nanocrystals
ACS NANO, 2025, 19, 23, 21400-21410
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.5c01265