US Patent 7588828 - Quantum dot synthesis from molecular clusters

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7588828.html

This patent from Nanoco Technologies Limited teaches a strategy for the large scale synthesis of III-V quantum dots (e.g. GaN, InAs) by using a variety of molecular cluster materials. Claim 14 reads:

14. A method of producing nanoparticles, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a nanoparticle precursor composition comprising group 13 ions and group 15 ions; and

effecting conversion of the nanoparticle precursor into nanoparticles,

wherein said conversion is effected in the presence of a molecular cluster compound incorporating group 12 ions and group 16 ions under conditions permitting nanoparticle seeding and growth.