Metal Oxide Quantum Dots Embedded in Silica Matrices Made by Flame Spray Pyrolysis

Abstract

Quantum dots have unique size-dependent properties and promising applications. However, their use in many applications remains hindered by mechanical, thermal, and chemical instability and the lack of viable quantum dot mass-production processes. Embedding quantum dots in matrices such as silica counteracts the instability challenges in some applications while preserving their unique properties and applicability. Here, we synthesize quantum dots of four different metal oxides embedded in a silica matrix in a one-step mass-production process using flame spray pyrolysis.

Photo-polymerization using quantum dots for stable epoxy coatings

“…16 Then, we have shown that the flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) process, a mass-production nanoparticle synthesis technology, can synthesize metal oxide quantum dots with any bandgap energy from the UVC to the dark red region of the light spectrum. 17 Finally, we have shown that flame-made titania contains a significant TiO 2 (B) crystalline fraction and is 2-3 times more efficient in catalyzing epoxy photo-polymerization than P25 titania, 18 the gold standard 19 for photocatalysis.…”

Zero‐Dimensional Carbon Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Energy Storage

“…Therefore, quantum dots have properties intermediate between bulk materials and discrete atoms or molecules. They can be formed from various materials such as metal atoms, [23,24] metal oxides, [25,26] metal sulfides, [27][28][29] or carbon materials. [30][31][32] Their size gives them special features that facilitate a wide variety of applications.…”

Solid-phase sintering and vapor-liquid-solid growth of BP@MgO quantum dot crystals with a high piezoelectric response

“…For two-dimensional (2D) materials that are susceptible to exfoliation [15], such as graphene [16] and black phosphorous (BP) [17], the QDs are often obtained with mechanical or chemical exfoliation methods. Metal oxide QDs also show wide applications such as photocatalysis (TiO 2 ), ultraviolet protection films (ZnO), gas sensing (SnO 2 ), and high-temperature superconductors (CuO) [18]. However, due to their high surface energy, they have heightened mechanical, thermal, and chemical instability.…”

“…It is therefore relatively difficult to achieve viable large-scale production. Embedding them in amorphous matrices [18] has been reported to be an effective way to obtain stable metal oxide QDs. Analogously, embedding them in a crystal matrix would be worth trying.…”