Moungi Bawendi, Louis Brus, and Alexei Ekimov: Trailblazers in Chemistry Crowned with the Nobel Prize 2023.

 Using Nanoparticles and Quantum Dots for LED Lights and Cancer Surgery Guidance

Scientists Moungi Bawendi, Louis Brus, and Alexei Ekimov have been awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their groundbreaking work on the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots. These nanoscopic particles have revolutionized various applications, ranging from illuminating computer monitors and television screens to aiding doctors in tumor mapping.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Nobel Committee for Chemistry emphasized the significance of their achievements, highlighting the production of quantum dots so small that their properties are determined by quantum phenomena. This breakthrough has propelled the field of nanotechnology forward, opening up possibilities for flexible electronics, miniature sensors, thinner solar cells, and encrypted quantum communication.

Bawendi, affiliated with MIT; Brus, associated with Columbia University; and Ekimov, from Nanocrystals Technology Inc, have been recognized for their pioneering contributions in working with particles mere atoms in diameter. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, based in Stockholm, officially announced this distinguished honor.

Nanoparticles and quantum dots find extensive utility in LED lights and can also guide surgeons during cancer tissue removal procedures. The constrained movement of electrons in quantum dots influences their absorption and release of visible light, resulting in vivid colors that can be observed. When stimulated or exposed to light, quantum dots emit a glowing blue, red, or green hue, with a specific color depending on the size of the particles. Red is emitted by larger dots, while smaller dots emit blue. This phenomenon stems from the distinctive behavior of electrons in more or less confined spaces.

Though physicists had theorized the color-changing properties of quantum dots as early as the 1930s, it took another five decades before the controlled creation of quantum dots with precise sizes became achievable in laboratory settings.

In an unusual turn of events, Swedish media leaked the names of the winners prior to the official announcement of the prize.

"We have been very active this morning to find out exactly what happened," acknowledged Hans Ellegren, the secretary-general of the academy, during the press conference. "There was a press release sent out for still unknown reasons. This is very unfortunate, and we deeply regret what happened."

While Ekimov, 78, and Brus, 80, are esteemed pioneers in their field, Bawendi, 62, is credited with revolutionizing the production of quantum dots, leading to the creation of nearly flawless particles. This exceptional quality was essential for their utilization across various applications, as affirmed by the academy.

During the news conference, Bawendi expressed his emotions, stating that he felt "very surprised, sleepy, shocked, unexpected, and very honored." He further acknowledged that the scientific community had recognized the potential real-world applications of quantum dots in the mid-1990s.

Regarding the leak, he admitted that he had no knowledge of the prize until the academy called him.

The century-old Nobel Prize, awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, encompasses physics, chemistry, and economics. Nominations are solicited a year in advance from thousands of university professors and scholars worldwide. Following a series of meetings throughout the year, committees for each prize propose one or more candidates to the full academy, which subsequently votes on the final selection.

This prestigious accolade, which is worth 11 million Swedish crowns ($997,959), celebrates the exceptional contributions made by Bawendi, Brus, and Ekimov to the field of chemistry.