Dmitri Talapin

Low-dimensional materials, including nanocrystals and atomically thin two-dimensional sheets, effectively bridge the gap between bulk solids and molecules. These materials have advanced significantly in the recent years, largely due to their potential for real-world applications. I will discuss the integration of concepts from solid-state chemistry, molecular chemistry, and nanotechnology toward development of novel functional materials.

For example, we expanded the range of synthesizable quantum dots by developing a new class of colloidal systems—colloids in molten inorganic salts. Using molten salts, we successfully synthesized the first colloidal emissive GaAs and GaN quantum dots, as well as various other functional nanomaterials previously dubbed impossible to synthesize by colloidal methods.

In another example, we combined principles from solid-state and molecular chemistry to advance two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides, known as MXenes. These materials combine the robust electronic and mechanical properties of inorganic 2D crystals with nearly limitless molecular engineering of their surface chemistry. Understanding MXene surfaces requires concepts from coordination chemistry, self-assembled monolayers, and surface science. We demonstrate that MXene surfaces actively contribute to the materials’ conductivity, superconductivity, and catalytic activity.