Colloidal Crystallization of GaP, and III-V Heterostructures Using Low Valent Metal Precursors

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $550,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

With the support of the Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry Program, Professor Jonathan Owen of Columbia University is studying a new strategy to synthesize nanometer scale semiconductor crystals that convert blue light-emitting diode (LED) light into red emission. A “redox conversion” process will use low-valent gallium and indium precursors together with phosphorus and arsenic reagents to grow nanoscale particles in more widely accessible surfactant solution. If successful, this research will produce cadmium-free materials for energy-efficient lighting and infrared detectors, while training high school, undergraduate, and graduate students in cutting-edge synthesis and spectroscopy. With the support of the Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry Program, Professor Jonathan Owen of Columbia University is studying a novel colloidal synthesis strategy to prepare III–V quantum dot heterostructures with controlled crystallinity, size, and composition. GaP, GaAs, InGaP alloys, and InP/GaP core/shell architectures will be synthesized by pairing Ga(I) and In(I) complexes with tailored phosphine, phosphite, and phosphonium reagents. The resulting nanocrystals will be rigorously characterized by synchrotron X-ray total scattering and pair distribution function analysis, Raman spectroscopy, solid-state ³¹P Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and photoluminescence measurements to assess defect density, phase

Key facts

NSF award ID
2506108
Awardee
Columbia University (NY)
SAM.gov UEI
F4N1QNPB95M4
PI
Jonathan Owen
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE
Estimated total
$550,000
Funds obligated
$550,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028