Category Archives: News

RTNN Researchers Develop Nanocrystal Factories for Quantum Dot Manufacturing

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NC State researchers are now using a microfluidic system to create quantum dots across the visible light spectrum. The use of microfluidics significantly reduces manufacturing costs and enables real-time process monitoring. Quantum dots can be used in a variety of applications including LED displays and solar energy. For more information, visit the NC State News Release or the original paper in Advanced Functional Materials (details below).

“Facile Room Temperature Anion Exchange Reactions of Inorganic Perovskite Quantum Dots Enabled by a Modular Microfluidic Platform”

Authors: Kameel Abdel-Latif, Robert W. Epps, Corwin B. Kerr, Christopher M. Papa, Felix N. Castellano and Milad Abolhasani, North Carolina State University

Published: March 15, Advanced Functional Materials

Abstract: In an effort to produce the materials of next-generation photoelectronic devices, post-synthesis halide exchange reactions of perovskite quantum dots have been explored to achieve enhanced band-gap tunability. However, comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted halide exchange reactions has been inhibited by their vast relevant parameter space and complex reaction network. In this work, we present a facile room temperature strategy for rapid halide exchange of inorganic perovskite quantum dots. We provide a comprehensive understanding of the halide exchange reactions by isolating reaction kinetics from precursor mixing rates utilizing a modular microfluidic platform, QDExer (Quantum Dot Exchanger). We illustrate the effects of ligand composition and halide salt source on the rate and extent of the halide exchange reactions. Our fluidic platform offers a unique time- and material-efficient approach for studies of solution phase-processed colloidal nanocrystals beyond those studied here and may accelerate the discovery and optimization of next-generation materials for energy technologies.

Museum Patrons Learn the Joys of Microscopy

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To celebrate Nanomonth at the Museum of Life and Science, the RTNN brought its expertise as well as a set of light microscopes and a portable desktop scanning electron microscope to The Lab. This venue provides a unique space for hands-on science experiences. Museum visitors learned the differences between the two types of microscopes and examined a variety of samples on each tool. Over 130 people of all ages stopped by to view electronic components found in their phones and tablets and the structures that give Morpho butterfly wings their brilliant blue color. During the NC Science Festival we will be at the Chapel Hill Public Library on April 13th from 1-3 pm with these microscopes and other nanotechnology hands-on activities.

Submit your Work to CHANL’s Scientific Art Competition

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The CHANL Scientific Art Competition provides users an opportunity to showcase scientific data with artistic appeal. The competition is coordinated by CHANL and UNC-MRS (Materials Research Society) through the Department of Applied Physical Sciences (APSc).

Submissions will be posted both online and in the Chapman Hall lobby. Winners will be announced the week of April 7, 2019 at a lunchtime reception on April 12 at noon. There are multiple opportunities to win cash awards.

Submission Guidelines

  • Deadline: April 1, 2019
  • Submission type
    • Pictures, Photographs – digital photographs/microscopy images (TEM, SEM, AFM…)
    • Computer generated graphics (illustrations, models…).
  • Max image size: 15 MB max
  • Dimensions:1024px x 1024px or greater 
  • Resolution: 96 dpi or better
  • File type: .jpg (recommended), .tiff
  • Filename: lastname_firstname.jpg or .tiff
  • Colorization to enhance visual impact is allowed

For more information and to submit your image, please visit the Competition Website.

Rapid Turnaround Experiment Program Accepting Proposals

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The Rapid Turnaround Experiment (RTE) program through the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) at Idaho National Laboratory is now accepting proposals (due March 25, 2019). The PULSTAR Reactor Laboratory at North Carolina State University is pleased to be an NSUF partner institution and, as such, is available to perform Rapid Turnaround Experiment funded analyses for internal and external users.Through the peer-reviewed RTE application process, NSUF provides external research teams with cost-free access to reactor, post-irradiation examination (PIE) and beam-line capabilities at INL and a diverse mix of affiliated partner institutions at universities, national laboratories and industry facilities located across the country. More information can be found here.

Apply Now: National Student Leaders Conference

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In coordination with the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy and the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office, TechConnect will host the 4th annual National Student Leaders Conference June 17-19, 2019 in Boston, MA. This event aims to connect global student leaders with corporate, investment, and policy experts to support student leaders in science, technology & business. Student specific programming will include a Career Pathways panel, an Entrepreneurship panel, and a other professional development activities. Students are also invited to participate in the larger TechConnect conference.

All accepted applicants will be provided:

  • Registration Waiver to the 3-day TechConnect World Innovation Conference
  • Participation in the Student Leaders Program during the Conference
  • Recognition as a Emerging Technology Student Leader Awardee

For more information and to apply, please visit the Conference Website. Applications are due by March 8, 2019.