# Physics and Chemistry of Nanostructures (PCN) - Ghent University

> Research Group 'Physics and Chemistry of Nanostructures' (PCN)
> Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium
> Web: https://pcn.ugent.be/

## Overview
The research group 'Physics and Chemistry of Nanostructures' (PCN) at the Department of Chemistry of Ghent University, Belgium, 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.

## Key Research Topics
- **Colloidal Synthesis of Nanocrystals**: Precise wet-chemical synthesis of size-, shape-, and composition-controlled semiconductor and metal colloidal nanocrystals.
- **Quantum Dots & Optoelectronics**: Core, core/shell, and nanoplatelet quantum confined structures with high photoluminescence quantum yields for displays and lighting.
- **Surface Chemistry & Ligands**: Mechanistic understanding of ligand binding, exchange, and passivation at inorganic-organic nanoscale interfaces.
- **Photophysical Characterization**: Comprehensive spectroscopic analysis including steady-state absorption, photoluminescence, and time-resolved spectroscopy.
- **Nanocrystal Assemblies & Devices**: Thin-film processing, self-assembled superlattices, and solution-processed optoelectronic components.

## Analytical Services & Laboratory Equipment
1. **Colloidal Synthesis Facilities**: Multi-station Schlenk lines, nitrogen/argon atmosphere gloveboxes, and temperature-controlled heating mantles.
2. **Optical & Photoluminescence Spectroscopy**: UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectrometers, steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence setups.
3. **Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD)**: High-resolution diffractometer for phase identification and crystallite domain determination.
4. **Vibrational Spectroscopy**: Dispersive Raman (532 nm) and FTIR spectroscopy.
5. **Surface & Porosity Characterization**: Gas physisorption and chemisorption analysis.
6. **Elemental Analysis**: Thermo Flash 2000 analyzer.

## Key Pages & Navigation
- [Research](https://pcn.ugent.be/research): Colloidal Nanocrystals & Nanoscience Research.
- [Publications](https://pcn.ugent.be/publications): Peer-reviewed journal publications in nanoscience.
- [PhD Dissertations](https://pcn.ugent.be/dissertations): Repository of completed PhD theses.
- [Equipment & Facilities](https://pcn.ugent.be/services): Analytical and synthesis facilities.
- [Researchers & Staff](https://pcn.ugent.be/members): Professors, postdocs, and PhD researchers.
- [Teaching & Courses](https://pcn.ugent.be/courses): Academic courses in chemistry and nanoscience.
- [Careers](https://pcn.ugent.be/opportunities): Open PhD and Postdoctoral positions.
- [Contact](https://pcn.ugent.be/contact): Campus Sterre, Building S3, Krijgslaan 289, 9000 Ghent, Belgium (Travel directions for public transport & car parking available).