Preparation of nanoparticle materials

• US 7,588,828 B2
• Filed: 09/10/2007
• Issued: 09/15/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nanoco Technologies Limited (Nanoco Group Plc)
• Original Assignee: Nanoco Technologies Limited (Nanoco Group Plc)
• Inventors: Pickett, Nigel, Daniels, Steven, Mushtaq, Imrana
• Primary Examiner(s): KILIMAN, LESZEK B
• Application Number:
  US11/852,748
• Publication Number:
  US 20080160306A1
• Time in Patent Office: 736 Days
• Field of Search: 428/403, 428/404, 428/405, 428/406, 427/212
• US Class Current: 428/403
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 25/082 of boron, aluminium, gallium or indium
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 11/02 Use of particular materials as binders, particle coatings or suspension media therefor
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 11/565 with zinc cadmium
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 11/70 containing phosphorus
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 11/883 with zinc or cadmium
• CPC Class Codes: C30B 29/60 characterised by shape
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/2982 Particulate matter [e.g., sphere, flake, etc.]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/2991 Coated
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/2993 Silicic or refractory material containing [e.g., tungsten oxide, glass, cement, etc.]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/2995 Silane, siloxane or silicone coating
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/2996 Glass particles or spheres

Abstract

Nanoparticles including a molecular cluster compound incorporating ions from groups 12 and 16 of the periodic table, as well as a core semiconductor material incorporating ions from groups 13 and 15 of the periodic table, are fabricated. The core semiconductor material is provided on the molecular cluster compound.

Claims

1. A nanoparticle comprising:

(i) a molecular cluster compound incorporating ions from groups 12 and 16 of the periodic table, and

(ii) a core semiconductor material provided on said molecular cluster compound,

wherein the core semiconductor material incorporates ions from groups 13 and 15 of the periodic table.

2. The nanoparticle of claim 1 wherein a crystal phase of the molecular cluster compound and a crystal phase of the core semiconductor material are compatible.

3. The nanoparticle of claim 1 wherein the molecular cluster compound incorporates zinc ions.

4. The nanoparticle of claim 1 wherein the group 16 ions comprise at least one member of the group consisting of oxide ions, sulfide ions, selenide ions, and telluride ions.

5. The nanoparticle of claim 1 wherein the group 13 ions comprise at least one member of the group consisting of aluminum ions, gallium ions, and indium ions.

6. The nanoparticle of claim 1 wherein the group 15 ions comprise at least one member of the group consisting of nitride ions, arsenide ions, and antimonide ions.

7. The nanoparticle of claim 1 wherein the nanoparticle exhibits a quantum efficiency ranging from about 20% to about 60%.

8. The nanoparticle of claim 1 further comprising a first layer comprising a first semiconductor material provided on said nanoparticle core.

9. The nanoparticle of claim 8 wherein said first semiconductor material incorporates ions from group 12 of the periodic table.

10. The nanoparticle of claim 8 wherein said first semiconductor material incorporates ions from group 16 of the periodic table.

11. The nanoparticle of claim 9 wherein the group 12 ions comprise zinc ions.

12. The nanoparticle of claim 9 wherein the group 16 ions comprise at least one member of the group consisting of oxide ions, sulfide ions, selenide ions and telluride ions.

13. The nanoparticle of claim 8 further comprising a second layer comprising a second semiconductor material provided on said first layer.

14. A method of producing nanoparticles, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a nanoparticle precursor composition comprising group 13 ions and group 15 ions; and

effecting conversion of the nanoparticle precursor into nanoparticles,

wherein said conversion is effected in the presence of a molecular cluster compound incorporating group 12 ions and group 16 ions under conditions permitting nanoparticle seeding and growth.