Current Research in Nanocrystals and Their Implications for Electrochemical Energy Storage, Conversion, and Optoelectronic Applications

Dear Colleagues,

The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus, and Aleksey Yekimov highlights the transformative impact of nanocrystals in science and technology. The advancement of nanocrystals has marked a significant milestone in the realm of materials science, heralding transformative possibilities across various technological sectors. This Special Issue explores the latest research on the synthesis, characterization, and application of nanocrystals, highlighting their crucial roles in electrochemical energy storage and conversion, as well as optoelectronic applications.

Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion:

Nanocrystals exhibit unique electrical, optical, and chemical properties that are advantageous for electrochemical applications. Their high surface area-to-volume ratio, tunable electronic properties, and enhanced ionic conductivity make them ideal candidates for next-generation energy storage devices such as batteries and supercapacitors. This Issue explores innovations in nanocrystal-based materials that offer improved energy density, charge/discharge rates, and cycling stability. Moreover, the role of nanocrystals in catalytic processes, crucial for energy conversion technologies such as fuel cells and electrolyzers, is examined, highlighting advancements that enhance efficiency and sustainability.

Optoelectronic Applications:

In the realm of optoelectronics, nanocrystals are pivotal due to their size-dependent optical properties, which can be finely tuned through quantum confinement effects. This Special Issue features cutting-edge research on nanocrystal applications in light-emitting diodes (LEDs), photovoltaic cells, and photodetectors. The integration of nanocrystals into these devices promises significant improvements in performance, including increased brightness, higher conversion efficiencies, and greater sensitivity. The potential of nanocrystals to revolutionize display technologies and enable new forms of photonic devices is also explored.

Key Highlights:

(i) Advanced synthesis techniques for high-quality nanocrystals with controlled size, shape, and surface properties;

(ii) Novel strategies to enhance the performance and stability of nanocrystal-based energy storage systems;

(iii) Breakthroughs in nanocrystal catalysis for efficient electrochemical energy conversion;

(iv) Innovations in optoelectronic devices leveraging the unique properties of nanocrystals;

(v) Theoretical insights and computational models that deepen the understanding of nanocrystal behavior and guide experimental efforts.

This Special Issue aims to offer a thorough overview of the latest research trends, technological advancements, and future directions in the field of nanocrystals. By bridging fundamental science and practical applications, it seeks to inspire further innovation and collaboration among researchers, paving the way for the next generation of energy and optoelectronic technologies. We look forward to receiving your contributions and contributing to the discourse on this transformative topic.

Dr. Atanu Jana
Dr. Tarak Nath Mandal
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• nanocrystals
• energy conversion and storage
• optoelectronics
• device fabrication
• materials engineering
• water-splitting
• supercapacitor
• battery
• solar cells
• light-emitting diodes (LEDs)