In-situ Study of Quantum Dots Self-assembly at the air/liquid interface

Ordered quantum dots (QD) superlattices (SL) are promising systems for many new technological applications. Understanding their formation process from solution is fundamental to obtain systems with improved properties. In this proposal we aim to understand the formation mechanism of 3D superlattices of PbSe colloidal QDs occurring at the liquid interface by using in-situ GISAXS under controlled solvent evaporation rate. The goal is to explore the optimum conditions to achieve maximum order prior transfer to solid substrates. This proposal is the first step of a large project where we aim to form ordered 3D SLs of merged QDs for opto-electronic applications with superior lateral ordering.