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

Narrow-Linewidth Emission and Weak Exciton-Phonon Coupling in 2D Layered Germanium Halide Perovskites
ADVANCED MATERIALS, 2025, 2419879
https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202419879

Multiple Emission Peaks Challenge Polariton Condensation in Phenethylammonium-Based 2D Perovskite Microcavities
ACS PHOTONICS, 2025, 12, 5, 2423-2431
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsphotonics.4c02065

Ultrafast Dynamics of Plasmon-Coupled Excitons in Semiconducting Nanoplatelets
THE JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C, 2025, 129, 16, 7804-7812
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.5c00445

From Structure to Function: Designing Iridium Catalysts with Spin-Forbidden Excitation for Low-Energy Light-Driven Reactions
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY, 2025, 147, 15, 12511-12522
https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.4c17584

Nanocavity-Enhanced Second-Harmonic Generation from Colossal Quantum Dots
ACS PHOTONICS, 2025, 12, 5, 2838-2842
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsphotonics.5c00472

Materials and Cavity Design Principles for Exciton-Polariton Condensates
ACS NANO, 2025, 19, 11, 10579-10588
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.4c15929