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Imagine a world where tiny particles can cure diseases, create new forms of energy, and revolutionize the way we live and work. Nanoparticles -- tiny particles that are smaller than 100 nanometers in size -- have opened new worlds in science. Before their discovery, no one could have guessed that a material’s properties could radically change when it is shrunk down to the nanosize, but that’s exactly what happens: nanoparticles assume new, novel properties not seen in normal materials. Today, quantum dots are used in many applications, including televisions, LED lamps, and biochemistry. These materials have made such an impact that in 2023, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to three scientists for their work on quantum dots. This talk discusses the history of quantum dots and explores their remarkable properties.

Prof. Richard Robinson received his PhD in Applied Physics from Columbia University, and was a postdoctoral fellow at University of California, Berkeley/LBNL in the research group of Paul Alivisatos. In 2008 Richard began a faculty position at Cornell University in the Materials Science Department and is currently an associate professor. His primary research interests are: (I) Synthesis and chemical transformations in nanocrystals, (II) Nanocrystals in energy applications, and (III) Synchrotron x-ray characterization of nanomaterials. Robinson’s work has been recognized with awards including the Journal of the American Chemical Society Young Investigator selection, the NSF CAREER award, the Fulbright scholar fellowship, the 3M Faculty Award, and the R&D 100 Award. His papers have been highlighted in journals like Physics Today, Scientific American Israel, and the Journal of Materials Chemistry A, where he was chosen for the inaugural “Emerging Investigators” issue, and he was a featured speaker for PBS NOVA’s Secret life of Scientist series.