Using star-shaped block co-polymer structures as tiny
reaction vessels, researchers have developed an improved technique for
producing nanocrystals with consistent sizes, compositions and architectures –
including metallic, ferroelectric, magnetic, semiconductor and luminescent
nanocrystals. The technique relies on the length of polymer molecules and the
ratio of two solvents to control the size and uniformity of colloidal
nanocrystals.
The technique could facilitate the use of nanoparticles for
optical, electrical, optoelectronic, magnetic, catalysis and other applications
in which tight control over size and structure is essential to obtaining
desirable properties. The technique produces plain, core-shell and hollow
nanoparticles that can be made soluble either in water or in organic solvents.