# Physics and Chemistry of Nanostructures (PCN) - Comprehensive Knowledge Base

## Organization Details
- **Institution**: Ghent University (Universiteit Gent)
- **Faculty**: Faculty of Sciences (Faculteit Wetenschappen)
- **Department**: Department of Chemistry (Vakgroep Chemie)
- **Research Group**: Physics and Chemistry of Nanostructures (PCN)
- **Address**: Krijgslaan 289, Building S3, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- **Phone**: +32 9 264 4880
- **Official Portal**: https://pcn.ugent.be/

## Group Identity & Mission
Our research focuses on colloidal nanocrystals, an ideal starting point for multidisciplinary science where chemical synthesis and processing techniques are combined with the characterization and application of physical properties. The site provides information on our research projects, equipment, publications, and developments in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Our group welcomes collaborations in this field, offering knowhow in synthesis and characterization of a large variety of semiconductor and metal colloidal nanocrystals.

## Core Research Themes
1. **Colloidal Nanocrystal Synthesis**
   - Precision wet-chemical synthesis of size- and shape-controlled colloidal nanocrystals.
   - Core, core/shell, and anisotropic nanostructures (quantum dots, nanoplatelets, nanorods).
   - Semiconductor materials (II-VI, III-V, lead halide perovskites) and noble metal nanocrystals.

2. **Surface Chemistry & Ligand Dynamics**
   - Organic ligand shell engineering and in situ ligand exchange mechanisms.
   - Quantitative surface characterization using NMR, FTIR, and XPS.
   - Passivation of surface trap states for maximum luminescence efficiency.

3. **Optical & Physical Characterization**
   - Absorption, photoluminescence, and emission quantum yield measurements.
   - Ultrafast carrier dynamics, transient absorption spectroscopy, and single-nanocrystal optics.
   - Structure-function correlations combining optical spectroscopy and structural analysis.

4. **Self-Assembly, Thin Films & Applications**
   - Ordered superlattices and colloidal nanocrystal assemblies.
   - Solution-processed thin films for light emission, detection, and optoelectronic devices.
   - Catalytic and photochemical properties of hybrid colloidal nanostructures.

## Equipment & Analytical Facilities
1. **Colloidal Synthesis Lines**: Inert atmosphere Schlenk vacuum lines, gloveboxes, automated temperature controllers.
2. **Optical Spectroscopy**: UV-Vis-NIR absorption, steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectrometers.
3. **Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD)**: Bruker D8 Advance for crystalline phase and nanocrystal domain size determination.
4. **Vibrational Spectroscopy**: Kaiser 532 nm Dispersive Raman and FTIR spectrometers.
5. **Surface & Physisorption**: Automated nitrogen/gas sorption and chemisorption analysis.
6. **Elemental Analysis**: Thermo Flash 2000 elemental analyzer.