Abstract: A method of preparing Group XIII selenide nanoparticles comprises reacting a Group XIII ion source with a selenol compound. The nanoparticles have an MxSey semiconductor core (where M is In or Ga) and an organic capping ligand attached to the core via a carbon-selenium bond. The selenol provides a source of selenium for incorporation into the semiconductor core and also provides the organic capping ligand. The nanoparticles are particularly suitable for solution-based methods of preparing semiconductor films.

Abstract: Materials and methods for preparing Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) layers for use in thin film photovoltaic (PV) cells are disclosed herein. The CZTS materials are nanoparticles prepared by a colloidal synthesis in the presence of a labile organothiol. The organothiol serves as both a sulphur source and as a capping ligand for the nanoparticles.

Abstract: Materials and methods for preparing Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) layers for use in thin film photovoltaic (PV) cells are disclosed herein. The CZTS materials are nanoparticles prepared by a colloidal synthesis in the presence of a labile organothiol. The organothiol serves as both a sulphur source and as a capping ligand for the nanoparticles.

Abstract: Materials and methods for preparing Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) layers for use in thin film photovoltaic (PV) cells are disclosed herein. The CZTS materials are nanoparticles prepared by a colloidal synthesis in the presence of a labile organothiol. The organothiol serves as both a sulphur source and as a capping ligand for the nanoparticles.

Abstract: A process for producing copper selenide nanoparticles by effecting conversion of a nanoparticle precursor composition comprising copper and selenide ions to the material of the copper selenide nanoparticles in the presence of a selenol compound. Copper selenide-containing films and CIGS semiconductor films produced using copper selenide as a fluxing agent are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing encapsulated nanoparticles by dispersing said nanoparticles and an encapsulating medium in a common solvent to form a first solution system and treating said first solution system with a stimulus suitable to induce simultaneous aggregation of the nanoparticles and the encapsulating medium.

Abstract: Various methods are used to provide a desired doping metal concentration in a CIGS-containing ink when the CIGS layer is deposited on a photovoltaic device. When the doping metal is sodium, it may be incorporated by: adding a sodium salt, for example sodium acetate, together with the copper-, indium- and/or gallium-containing reagents at the beginning of the synthesis reaction of Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 nanoparticles; synthesizing Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 nanoparticles and adding a sodium salt to the reaction solution followed by mild heating before isolating the nanoparticles to aid sodium diffusion; and/or, using a ligand that is capable of capping the Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 nanoparticles with one end of its molecular chain and binding to sodium atoms with the other end of its chain.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of copper indium gallium diselenide/disulfide (CIGS) nanoparticles utilizes a copper-rich stoichiometry. The copper-rich CIGS nanoparticles are capped with organo-chalcogen ligands, rendering the nanoparticles processable in organic solvents. The nanoparticles may be deposited on a substrate and thermally processed in a chalcogen-rich atmosphere to facilitate conversion of the excess copper to copper selenide or copper sulfide that may act as a sintering flux to promote liquid phase sintering and thus the growth of large grains. The nanoparticles so produced may be used to fabricate CIGS-based photovoltaic devices.

Abstract: A method of preparing metal oxide nanoparticles is described herein. The method involves reacting nanoparticle precursors in the presence of a population of molecular cluster compounds. The molecular cluster compound may or may not contain the same metal as will be present in the metal oxide nanoparticle. Likewise, the molecular cluster compound may or may not contain oxygen. The molecular cluster compounds acts a seeds or templates upon which nanoparticle growth is initiated. As the molecular cluster compounds are all identical, the identical nucleation sites result in highly monodisperse populations of metal oxide nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing encapsulated nanoparticles by dispersing said nanoparticles and an encapsulating medium in a common solvent to form a first solution system and treating said first solution system with a stimulus suitable to induce simultaneous aggregation of the nanoparticles and the encapsulating medium.

Abstract: A process for producing copper selenide nanoparticles by effecting conversion of a nanoparticle precursor composition comprising copper and selenide ions to the material of the copper selenide nanoparticles in the presence of a selenol compound. Copper selenide-containing films and CIGS semiconductor films produced using copper selenide as a fluxing agent are also disclosed.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention relates to production of encapsulated nanoparticles by dispersing said nanoparticles and an encapsulating medium in a common solvent to form a first solution system and applying a stimulus to said first solution system to induce simultaneous aggregation of the nanoparticles and the encapsulating medium.

Abstract: Materials and methods for preparing Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) layers for use in thin film photovoltaic (PV) cells are disclosed herein. The CZTS materials are nanoparticles prepared by a colloidal synthesis in the presence of a labile organothiol. The organothiol serves as both a sulphur source and as a capping ligand for the nanoparticles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are articles for use in phototherapy utilizing quantum dots (QDs). One embodiment is a medical dressing having an occlusive layer and translucent layer. Quantum dot light-emitting diode chips are configured within the occlusive layer to provide light of a specific wavelength for use in phototherapy. Another embodiment is a medical dressing having an occlusive layer and translucent layer, wherein quantum dot material is embedded or impregnated within one or both layers.

Abstract: Materials and methods for preparing Cu2XSnY4 nanoparticles, wherein X is Zn, Cd, Hg, Ni, Co, Mn or Fe and Y is S or Se, (CXTY) are disclosed herein. The nanoparticles can be used to make layers for use in thin film photovoltaic (PV) cells. The CXTY materials are prepared by a colloidal synthesis in the presence of labile organo-chalcogens. The organo-chalcogens serves as both a chalcogen source for the nanoparticles and as a capping ligand for the nanoparticles.

Abstract: Nanoparticles containing IUPAC group 11 ions, group 13 ions and sulfur ions are synthesized by adding metal salts and an alkanethiol in an organic solvent and promoting the reaction by applying heat. Nanoparticles are formed at temperatures as low as 200° C. The nanoparticles may be thermally annealed for a certain amount of time at a temperature lower than the reaction temperature (usually ˜40° C. lower) to improve the topology and narrow the size distribution. After the reaction is complete, the nanoparticles may be isolated by the addition of a non-solvent and re-dispersed in organic solvents including toluene, chloroform and hexane to form a nanoparticle ink. Additives may be incorporated in the reaction solution to tailor the final ink viscosity.

Abstract: An illuminated sign has a primary light source in spaced apart relation to a transparent or translucent substrate having quantum dot phosphors printed or coated thereon. The primary light source may be a blue LED, a white LED or an LED having a significant portion of its emission in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum. The LED may be a backlight for the transparent or translucent substrate and/or an edge light, a down light or an up light.

Abstract: A method of preparing Group XIII selenide nanoparticles comprises reacting a Group XIII ion source with a selenol compound. The nanoparticles have an MxSey semiconductor core (where M is In or Ga) and an organic capping ligand attached to the core via a carbon-selenium bond. The selenol provides a source of selenium for incorporation into the semiconductor core and also provides the organic capping ligand. The nanoparticles are particularly suitable for solution-based methods of preparing semiconductor films.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention relates to production of encapsulated nanoparticles by dispersing said nanoparticles and an encapsulating medium in a common solvent to form a first solution system and applying a stimulus to said first solution system to induce simultaneous aggregation of the nanoparticles and the encapsulating medium.