Microchemical Systems for the synthesis of nanostructures: Quantum Dots

We have developed a continuous multi-stage high-temperature and high-pressure microfluidic system. High-pressure conditions enabled the use low molecular weight solvents that have previously not been available for quantum dot (QD) synthesis such as hexane or octane. The use of supercritical phase provided excellent mixing, which was critical in producing high quality QDs. In addition, the microfluidic system allowed precise control of synthetic conditions for the fast screening of reaction parameters. The continuous multi-stage microfluidic system enabled separating of reaction conditions such as mixing and aging steps, which was not possible in batch synthesis, as a result it was possible to conduct systematic investigation of the synthesis of indium phosphide (InP) QDs.