Quantum dots have a tendency to stick together if they get too near each other and when they do this, they lose their interesting and useful characteristics. To stop this happening, molecules are attached to the surface so the dots can no longer get as close. However, the presence of the molecules changes the energy levels of the quantum dot and it is hard to find out how. When quantum dots are used in solar cells, this may lead to the cell not working or not being very efficient. Gabriela Kissling at the University of Bristol is finding out exactly how the energy levels change when molecules are added to help other researchers build better solar cells.
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