Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023

On Wednesday, 4 October 2023, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry to Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus and Alexei I. Ekimov “for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots”.

From the press release of Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences:

“The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023 rewards the discovery and development of quantum dots, nanoparticles so tiny that their size determines their properties. These smallest components of nanotechnology now spread their light from televisions and LED lamps, and can also guide surgeons when they remove tumour tissue, among many other things.

Everyone who studies chemistry learns that an element’s properties are governed by how many electrons it has. However, when matter shrinks to nano-dimensions quantum phenomena arise; these are governed by the size of the matter. The Nobel Laureates in Chemistry 2023 have succeeded in producing particles so small that their properties are determined by quantum phenomena. The particles, which are called quantum dots, are now of great importance in nanotechnology.

‘Quantum dots have many fascinating and unusual properties. Importantly, they have different colours depending on their size,’ says Johan Åqvist, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry.”

Read more about the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.