Reshaping quantum dot production through continuous flow and sustainable technology

As the demand for innovative materials continues to grow, nanomaterial research is emerging as a strategic field, particularly in response to today’s technological and environmental challenges. Among these materials, quantum dots are attracting particular attention due to their unique properties and wide range of applications. A team of researchers at Uliège recently made a significant contribution by proposing a more sustainable approach to the production of these nanostructures.

Quantum dots (QDs) are nanometer-sized semiconductor particles with unique optical and electronic properties. The ability to absorb and emit light with high accuracy makes it ideal for use in solar cells, LEDs, medical imaging and sensors.

In a recent study, Uliège researchers have developed the first enhanced, scalable process for generating cadmium chalcogenide quantum dots (semiconductor compounds) that are widely used in water and in water using novel biocompatible chalcogenide sources (chemical elements such as sulfur, selenium, selenium, selenium, and raculium).

Unlike traditional methods that rely on organic solvents, this completely continuous flow process offers unparalleled sustainability, safety and versatility. This is a major leap in the responsible production of advanced nanomaterials.

Collaboration between CITOS (Integrated Technology and Organic Synthesis Center) and MSLAB, two Uliège Laboratories have led to designing a completely integrated flow process that provides novel water-soluble chalcogenation sources and high-quality biocompatible QDs. Although the results are published in Chemical Sciences, a broader review of sustainable quantum dot production has recently been featured in Materials Science and Engineering R.

“This idea originally came from peptide synthesis. TCEP is a well-known water-soluble reducing agent,” explains Jean-Christophe Monbaliu, director of CITOS. “We saw a unique opportunity to use it as a safer and scalable chalcogen transfer agent, and it worked very well.”

To better understand the interactions between TCEP and chalcogen (sulfur, selenium and tellurium), CITOS teamed up with spectroscopy expert Cédric Malherbe (MSLAB).

“It was a real team effort,” says Malherbe. “We used cutting-edge analytical tools to track the reaction pathways in real time, something rare in this area.”

The systems they develop will not only improve productivity, but will also significantly reduce waste, energy consumption and the need for post-treatment. “Cadmium-based quantum dots are extremely efficient, but their toxicity remains a concern, especially under increasingly strict environmental regulations,” adds Carlotta Campalani, a researcher at CITOS. “We are currently exploring environmentally friendly, less toxic alternatives and still delivering the best performance.”

This study provides a realistic and responsible pathway for industrial-scale production of nanomaterials, reflecting Uriège’s commitment to innovation at the intersection of tomorrow’s chemistry, sustainability and technology.