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

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Columbia University (NY) · $550,000

## 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 organization:** 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

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2506108

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2506108, Colloidal Crystallization of GaP, and III-V Heterostructures Using Low Valent Metal Precursors. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-09 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2506108. Licensed CC0.

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