A world crew of researchers from Hanyang College, led by Professor Yoonjung Jang, collaborated with Professor Stefan Ringe of Korea College and Professor Jiwoong Yang of the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Know-how. Collectively, they’ve produced environmentally pleasant photo voltaic hydrogen for the primary time utilizing a quantum semiconductor nanocluster—the smallest recognized inorganic semiconductor materials.
In an aqueous surroundings, Professor Yang’s crew efficiently synthesized a secure nanocluster of cadmium selenide ((CdSe)13), a sub-1-nm quantum semiconductor that had not beforehand been used as a photocatalyst. Utilizing this materials, they achieved photocatalytic hydrogen manufacturing and steered its potential purposes throughout quantum science, power, and environmental applied sciences.
Quantum semiconductor nanoclusters exist on the boundary between molecules and nanocrystals and include a exact variety of atoms. Resulting from their excessive surface-to-volume ratio, they’re anticipated to exhibit excessive catalytic reactivity. Nevertheless, their structural instability and restricted electrical efficiency have hindered sensible use.
To deal with this, the crew engineered a superstructure through which the nanoclusters self-organize right into a three-dimensional community. By cross-linking ligands on the cluster surfaces, they achieved structural stability whereas sustaining the distinctive properties of particular person clusters.
To boost electrical efficiency and allow efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, the researchers additional doped the clusters with cobalt ions (Co2+).
This research is the primary of its type to show {that a} quantum semiconductor nanocluster, often called the smallest inorganic semiconductor construction in existence, can be utilized as a photocatalyst. Sooner or later, it’s anticipated to increase into numerous potentialities in not simply power and surroundings, but additionally quantum science.
Jiwoong Yang, Professor, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Know-how
The analysis was supported by the Nationwide Analysis Basis of Korea and the Korea Institute for Development of Know-how.
Journal Reference:
Lee, S., et al. (2025) Photocatalytic Hydrogen Manufacturing Utilizing Semiconductor (CdSe)13 Clusters. Nano Letters. doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.5c00529.
