NC State researcher wins grant for quantum dot ink project

A research team led by an NC State assistant professor won a grant from the University of North Carolina System with a multidisciplinary proposal to develop a platform that can manufacture quantum dot inks using artificial intelligence. The inks are considered high-priority specialty chemicals that can impact North Carolina’s energy, defense and agriculture sectors. 

The University of North Carolina’s Research Opportunities Initiative promotes innovative, cutting-edge research projects within the UNC System. Milad Abolhasani, an assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, is the principal investigator of the proposal entitled “Nanocrystal Factory: Advanced Manufacturing of Quantum Dot Inks for Next-Generation Solution-Processed Photonic Devices.” 

The project will develop technology for autonomous manufacturing of application-ready semiconductor nanocrystal inks to be used in next-generation solar cells, energy-efficient greenhouses, optoelectronic devices and lighting technologies.

“We are grateful to the UNC System for supporting our multidisciplinary initiative,” Abolhasani said. “This ROI initiative provides necessary resources towards building a state-of-the-art center on artificial intelligence-guided materials discovery and manufacturing, and establishing NC State as the foremost Smart Material Manufacturing Hub in the country.”