Chemical Coding at the Atomic Scale: Designing Hybrid and Quantum Nanostructures for Applications in Optical Biosensing, Light Harvesting, Chiral Catalysis, and More

Report on Workshop
Chemical Coding at the Atomic Scale:
Designing Hybrid and Quantum Nanostructures for Applications in Optical Biosensing, Light Harvesting, Chiral Catalysis, and More

1 Main Focus of Our Event
The workshop centered on the cutting-edge field of chemical coding at the atomic scale, covering a wide range of topics in nanomaterials science and technology. Key themes included:

  • ˆNanoparticle synthesis, assembly, and applications: From colloidal quantum dots and perovskite nanocrystals to plasmonic nanostructures
  • Biosensing and bioanalytics: Utilization of nanoparticles for advanced sensing and testing systems
  • Optical and quantum properties: Exploration of excitonic effects, energy transfer, and quantum phenomena in nanostructures
  • Chiral nanostructures: Synthesis, characterization, and applications of chiral nanomaterials
  • Energy conversion and catalysis: Nanostructure-based systems for photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and solar energy conversion
  • Theoretical aspects: Electromagnetic theory and modeling of nanostructures
  • Emerging applications: Quantum sensing, optoelectronics, and metamaterials

The program featured a mix of fundamental research and applied science, fostering discussions on the design, synthesis, characterization, and application of nanomaterials across various fields.

2 Most Important Participants
The workshop brought together 60 participants from 10 countries, representing a diverse range of expertise in nanomaterials and chemical coding. Notable attendees included:

  • Dr. Alexander Efros (Naval Research Laboratory, USA), renowned for his work on semiconductor nanocrystals
  • Prof. Hilmi Volkan Demir (Nanyang Technological University Singapore & Bilkent University), expert in colloidal quantum wells and optoelectronics
  • ˆ Prof. Maksym Kovalenko (ETH Zurich, Switzerland), leading researcher in perovskite quantum dots
  • Prof. Jochen Feldmann (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München), known for his work on semiconductor nanocrystals and energy conversion
  • Prof. David J. Norris (ETH Zürich), expert in the synthesis and optical properties of nanocrystals
  • Prof. Daniel Vanmaekelbergh (University of Utrecht), specialist in the characterization and topology of 2D nanostructures
  • Prof. Itamar Willner (The Hebrew University of Jerusalem), pioneer in nanozymes and DNA-protocell condensates

The diverse participation facilitated rich discussions and collaborations across various subfields of nanomaterial science and engineering.

3 Presentation of Scientific Newcomers
Early-career researchers and established scientists alike had opportunities to present their work and engage in scientific discourse:

  • Two dedicated poster sessions (Tuesday and Thursday evenings) showcasing a wide range of novel research in nanostructure design, synthesis, and applications
  • Numerous oral presentations throughout the week, allowing for in-depth discussions of cutting-edge research
  • Ample time allocated for discussions after each session, fostering collaborative dialogue and idea exchange
  • Informal networking opportunities during coffee breaks, meals, and social events, enabling newcomers to connect with established researchers

4 Scientific Results in the Broader Sense
The workshop yielded several significant outcomes:

  • Identification of key research directions in nanocrystal synthesis, assembly, and applications
  • Cross-disciplinary insights into the interplay between material properties and quantum phenomena in nanostructures
  • New perspectives on chiral nanostructures and their potential in sensing and catalysis
  • Discussions on standardizing characterization methods for optical and quantum properties of engineered nanomaterials
  • Exploration of machine learning approaches for designing atomic-scale material functionalities

Overall, the workshop fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas, pushing the boundaries of our understanding in chemical coding at the atomic scale and setting the stage for future breakthroughs in nanomaterial applications across multiple technological domains.