Colloidal Quantum Materials as Photocatalysts

Colloidal quantum materials manifest well controlled properties that are modified by tuning their size, composition and shape. Amon these materials, hybrid nanoparticles (HNPs) combine disparate materials onto a single nanosystem thus providing a powerful approach for bottom-up design of novel architectures. Beyond the fundamental development in synthesis, the interest in HNPs arises from their combined and often synergetic properties exceeding the functionality of the individual components. These ideas are well demonstrated in hybrid semiconductor-metal nanoparticles, which are the focus of this talk. The synergistic optical and chemical properties of hybrid nanoparticles resulting in light-induced charge separation and charge transfer, allow photocatalytic activity which can promote surface chemistry redox reactions, and open a pathway for converting solar energy to chemical energy stored in a fuel. An additional area of interest is in use of the HNPs for light-induced generation of radicals opening options for light-induced on-demand radicals formation. Use of the HNPs in generation of reactive hydrogen species and its application for controlling enzymatic activity and utilization as a new class of photoinitiators for polymerization reactions and in 3D printing will be highlighted.