STOCKHOLM (AP) — Three scientists have been awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry for their groundbreaking research on nanoscale quantum dots.
Moungi Bawendi from MIT, Louis Brus from Columbia University, and Alexei Ekimov from Nanocrystals Technology Inc. were recognized for their work with these minuscule particles that are only a few atoms in diameter. The electrons in quantum dots have limited movement, which affects their absorption and release of visible light, leading to exceptionally bright colors. Quantum dots are widely used in various electronics, such as LED displays.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, which announced the award in Stockholm, stated, “These tiny particles have unique properties and now spread their light from television screens and LED lamps. They catalyze chemical reactions, and their clear light can illuminate tumor tissue for a surgeon.”
In an unusual turn of events, the names of the winners were leaked to the media before the official announcement.
The academy did not comment on the leaked names prior to the announcement.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences selects the winners of the Nobel Prize in physics, chemistry, and economics. Thousands of university professors and scholars worldwide nominate candidates a year in advance. Each prize has a committee that discusses potential awardees throughout the year. At the end of the process, the committee presents one or multiple proposals to the full academy for a vote. The deliberations and the identities of nominees other than the winners remain confidential for 50 years.
Earlier this week, the physics prize was awarded to French-Swedish physicist Anne L’Huillier, French scientist Pierre Agostini, and Hungarian-born Ferenc Krausz for their breakthroughs in observing spinning electrons at an extremely rapid pace.
On Monday, Katalin Karikó from Hungary and Drew Weissman from the United States received the Nobel Prize in medicine for their discoveries that paved the way for mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines.
Last year’s Nobel Prize in chemistry was jointly awarded to Carolyn R. Bertozzi and K. Barry Sharpless from the United States and Morten Meldal from Denmark. They were recognized for developing a method to “snap molecules together” for applications such as cell exploration, DNA mapping, and precision targeting of diseases like cancer.
The chemistry prize marks the halfway point of the Nobel season. The prizes in literature, peace, and economics will be announced on each weekday until October 9.
This year, the Nobel Foundation increased the prize money by 10% to 11 million kronor (approximately $1 million). In addition to the cash reward, laureates will receive an 18-carat gold medal and diploma during the award ceremonies in December.
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Corder reported from The Hague, Netherlands.
