Nanomaterials offer modified properties over the same compounds that exist in bulk form, especially when crystalline semi-conducting materials are concerned. The size and shape of small particles allows for tuning of semi-conductor band gaps, which is a key feature of their ability to emit light with tunable wavelengths.

Prof Halpert has numerous patents on semi-conductor nanomaterials based on their optical emission properties. In display technology control of nanoparticle size, morphology and orientation are all critical features that allow new and improved display devices to be developed.

Lead-based Perovskites are well established as having excellent materials properties for LED applications but suffer from toxicity issues. Prof Halpert’s group is now pioneering the use of halides of metals such as copper and bismuth to produce efficient non-toxic materials for emission and energy storage.

For example, recently Prof Halpert’s group developed an inexpensive, lightweight, and non-toxic (lead-free) photo-battery that has dual functions in harvesting solar energy and storing it in a single device, making it possible to charge a battery under the sun, without having to plug the device into the wall.

Nano Lett. 2021, 21, 13, 5578–5585 “Photorechargeable Lead-Free Perovskite Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Hexagonal Cs3Bi2I9 Nanosheets”