A global 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 & Expertise. Collectively, they’ve produced environmentally pleasant photo voltaic hydrogen for the primary time utilizing a quantum semiconductor nanocluster—the smallest identified inorganic semiconductor materials.
In an aqueous setting, Professor Yang’s crew efficiently synthesized a steady 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 urged 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. Because of their excessive surface-to-volume ratio, they’re anticipated to exhibit excessive catalytic reactivity. Nonetheless, their structural instability and restricted electrical efficiency have hindered sensible use.
To handle this, the crew engineered a superstructure during 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 exhibit {that a} quantum semiconductor nanocluster, referred to as the smallest inorganic semiconductor construction in existence, can be utilized as a photocatalyst. Sooner or later, it’s anticipated to broaden into numerous potentialities in not simply power and setting, but in addition quantum science.
Jiwoong Yang, Professor, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Expertise
The analysis was supported by the Nationwide Analysis Basis of Korea and the Korea Institute for Development of Expertise.
Journal Reference:
Lee, S., et al. (2025) Photocatalytic Hydrogen Manufacturing Utilizing Semiconductor (CdSe)13 Clusters. Nano Letters. doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.5c00529.