Focusing nanocrystal size distributions via production control

Nano Lett. 2011 May 11;11(5):1976-80. doi: 10.1021/nl200286j. Epub 2011 Apr 8.

Abstract

We present a theoretical description of how continuous monomer production affects the focusing of nanocrystal size distributions in solution. We show that sufficiently high monomer production rates can drive a decrease in the polydispersity even as the average nanocrystal size increases. This is in sharp contrast to Ostwald ripening, where polydispersity increases with mean crystal size. We interpret several experimental nanocrystal studies through our model and show how production-controlled growth promises exquisite control over the size and polydispersity of functional nanocrystals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Crystallization
  • Diffusion
  • Kinetics
  • Models, Statistical
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Normal Distribution
  • Particle Size
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Solubility
  • Surface Properties