Advanced Nanomaterials: Semiconductors and Lanthanides
We offer semiconductor nanoparticles (CdS, PbS, CuS…) and lanthanide nanoparticles (NaYF4:Er,Yb) in colloidal suspension, together with training in their fabrication. We also provide optical and structural characterisation services.
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION
In our laboratory, we fabricate semiconductor nanoparticles functionalised with organic radicals that enable their solubilisation in different media, as well as lanthanide-based nanoparticles for “up-conversion” applications. We use different synthetic routes, such as thiolate decomposition, which enables direct synthesis in polymer solutions, reverse micelle synthesis, Ostwald ripening, etc. We also offer optical characterisation services (UV-vis optical absorption, vis-NIR fluorescence) to determine their light absorption and emission properties, as well as structural characterisation (FESEM, TEM), which enables us to obtain images from which their size can be measured, their spatial distribution observed, and their crystalline properties determined, among other parameters.
TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS
The typical application of CdS and PbS nanoparticles is the synthesis of polymer-based nanocomposites consisting of conducting polymers doped with nanoparticles, which can be incorporated into optoelectronic devices such as organic photovoltaic cells or organic LEDs. By varying the size and concentration of the nanoparticles, we can modify the optical and electrical properties of the devices.
We synthesise CuS nanoparticles that, when illuminated with a beam of light in the therapeutic near-infrared range, increase in temperature, making them suitable for thermal ablation applications in the medical field.
“Up-conversion” nanoparticles convert near-infrared photons into visible-light photons. The most widespread application is the labelling of biological tissues for observation using optical microscopy in the field of biomedicine.
ADVANTAGES AND INNOVATIVE ASPECTS
The addition of semiconductor nanoparticles to components based on conducting polymers makes it possible to modulate the optical and electrical properties of the starting polymer. In organic LEDs, the wavelength of emitted light can be modified. In photovoltaic cells, the absorption spectrum can be extended to bands not covered by the polymer.
In biological applications, such as luminescent probes for bioimaging, autofluorescence in biological samples can be reduced and, consequently, image contrast improved.
DEVELOPMENT STAGE
The technology is currently being successfully applied at laboratory scale in research devices. It is ready to be transferred to industrial R&D departments seeking to prototype advanced solutions in optoelectronics or biomedicine.
APPLICATION SECTORS
- Energy Industry (Solar and Photovoltaic Energy).
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sector.
- Display and Lighting Device Manufacturers (OLEDs).
- Advanced Materials Research Centres.
- Bioimaging and Diagnostic Imaging Industry.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Juan Carlos Ferrer Millán – University Institute for Research in Engineering (I3E)