In a groundbreaking recognition of their contributions to the world of nanotechnology, scientists Moungi Bawendi, Louis Brus, and Aleksey Ekimov have been awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
The trio has been honored for their pivotal discovery of quantum dots, minuscule clusters of atoms that have become integral in the creation of colors in flat screens, LED lamps, and medical devices facilitating the visualization of blood vessels in tumors.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, responsible for awarding the prestigious Nobel Prize, commended the laureates for their groundbreaking work, noting that quantum dots, in terms of size ratio, exhibit a relationship to a football similar to that of a football to the Earth.
The academy emphasized that the scientists’ findings had “added color to nanotechnology,” referring to the application of matter at the atomic or molecular level in manufacturing processes.
The statement from the academy highlighted the multifaceted applications of quantum dots, stating, “Researchers believe that in the future they could contribute to flexible electronics, tiny sensors, thinner solar cells, and encrypted quantum communication.”
The Nobel Committee for Chemistry underscored one of the remarkable features of quantum dots during a press conference.
These tiny structures exhibit the fascinating property of changing light color based on particle size while maintaining an unchanged atomic structure.
Johan Aqvist, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry, expressed his admiration for the laureates’ work, stating, “One of the fascinating and unusual properties of quantum dots is that they change light color depending on the particle size, while keeping the atomic structure unchanged.”
In response to the news of the prestigious award, Moungi Bawendi, reached by phone in the United States, conveyed his feelings of being “very surprised, sleepy, shocked, unexpected, and very honored.”
He further expressed optimism about ongoing research on quantum dots, anticipating “something really interesting” to emerge.
Interestingly, the announcement of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry appeared to have been inadvertently revealed to Swedish newspapers Aftonbladet and Dagens Nyheter before the official announcement, adding an unexpected twist to the annual Nobel Prize suspense.
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry holds a significant legacy, with a history spanning over a century, and comes with a monetary award of 11 million Swedish crowns ($1 million).
