NANOSCALE: Evolutionarily Selected Peptides to Direct the Processing and Self-Assembly of Multicomponent Superlattice Heterostructures

University Of Texas At Austin, Austin TX

Investigators

Abstract

CTS-9986563 B. Korgel, University of Texas, Austin Abstract The development of a new biologically-inspired approach to construct spatially complex quantum dot heterostructures is proposed. Using combinatorial peptide evolution, peptides will be identified that select for and bind to specific nanocrystal substrates, such as magnetic and semiconductor quantum dots synthesized in solution. The peptides will direct the spatial organization of the nanocrystals, which will function as electronic "building blocks," into quantum dot heterostructures. Laterally and vertically organized semiconductor-magnet quantum dot heterostructures will be self-assembled. The goal is to assemble superlattice heterostructures using evolutionarily engineered peptides and nanocrystals to demonstrate the nanometer-scale hierarchical control routinely exhibited by living systems. The potential uses of these materials are in next generation electronic devices, or hybrid biomolecular systems.