Zintl-phase BaCd2P2 quantum dots glow bright red under UV; comprised of chemically stable, earth-abundant, domestically produced ingredients

https://phys.org/news/2025-09-built-brilliance-zintl-phase-quantum.html

"optimal bandgap, long carrier lifetime, intrinsic defect tolerance (no need for surface passivation)... fabrication: quickly injecting phosphorus precursor into heated ligand-solubilized mixture containing barium/ cadmium... adjusting temperature during growth controls nanoparticle size for specific light absorption/ color emissions... 21% photoluminescence quantum yield... light absorbing/ electric charge carrying semiconductors for LED lighting/ displays, fiber optics, solar panels, bioimaging, optical sensors"