Nobel Prize 2023 in Chemistry awarded to Moungi Bawendi, Louis Brus and Alexei Ekimov for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots

Nobel Prize in Chemistry winners are Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus and Alexei I. Ekimov (Illustration image credit: @NobelPrize/X)

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry to Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus and Alexei I. Ekimov “for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots”.

Nobel laureates sow the seeds of nanotechnology

"The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023 rewards the discovery and development of quantum dots, nanoparticles so tiny that their size determines their properties. These smallest components of nanotechnology now spread their light from televisions and LED lamps, and can also guide surgeons when they remove tumour tissue, among many other things," the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said.

"The Nobel Laureates in Chemistry 2023 have succeeded in producing particles so small that their properties are determined by quantum phenomena. The particles, which are called quantum dots, are now of great importance in nanotechnology," the prize-awarding academy said.

Johan Åqvist, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry, said “Quantum dots have many fascinating and unusual properties. Importantly, they have different colours depending on their size.”

"Quantum dots now illuminate computer monitors and television screens based on QLED technology. They also add nuance to the light of some LED lamps, and biochemists and doctors use them to map biological tissue. Quantum dots are thus bringing the greatest benefit to humankind. Researchers believe that in the future they could contribute to flexible electronics, tiny sensors, thinner solar cells and encrypted quantum communication – so we have just started exploring the potential of these tiny particles", the academy said.

Carolyn Bertozzi, Morten Meldal, Barry Sharpless won Nobel Prize 2022 in Chemistry

Carolyn R. Bertozzi, Morten Meldal and K. Barry Sharpless won the 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry “for the development of click chemistry and bioorthogonal chemistry".

Key information about the Nobel Prize in Chemistry: Some facts

115 Nobel Prizes in Chemistry have been awarded since 1901. As Frederick Sanger and Barry Sharpless has been awarded twice, there are 192 individuals who have received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry since 1901. It was not awarded on eight occasions: in 1916, 1917, 1919, 1924, 1933, 1940, 1941 and 1942. 63 chemistry prizes have been given to one laureate only. 25 chemistry prizes have been shared by two laureates. 26 chemistry prizes have been shared between three laureates. With Frederick Sanger and Barry Sharpless winning the Chemistry prize twice, the total number of laureates honored with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry since 1901 stands at 194. Frédéric Joliot became the youngest Nobel Prize laureate in chemistry to date when he received the chemistry prize in 1935 at the age of 35, along with his wife Irène Joliot-Curie. John B. Goodenough, who received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2019, holds the distinction of being the oldest laureate in the field to date, having been awarded the prize at the age of 97. Additionally, he is the oldest laureate across all Nobel Prize categories. To date, 8 women have been among the 189 individuals honored with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Nobel Prize winners for 2023 so far

The 2023 Nobel Prize season commenced on October 2 with the announcement of the winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine.

The Nobel Prize 2023 in Physiology or Medicine was awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences on October 2 to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for their discoveries concerning nucleoside base modifications that enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19.

The Nobel Prize 2023 in Physics was awarded on October 3 to Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz and Anne L’Huillier “for experimental methods that generate attosecond pulses of light for the study of electron dynamics in matter.”

Upcoming Nobel Prize announcements

Prizes in Literature, Peace, and Economics will be announced, with one announcement occurring each weekday until October 9.

Literature Prize will be announced on October 5. The Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on October 6 and the Economics award on October 9. The Nobel Prize amount for 2023 is set at Swedish kronor (SEK) 11.0 million per full Nobel Prize. The money comes from a bequest left by the prize's creator, Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, who died in 1896. The prize money was raised by 1 million kronor this year because of the plunging value of the Swedish currency.

The laureates will be invited to receive their awards at ceremony on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death. The Peace Prize is handed out in Oslo, according to Nobel's wishes, while the other awards ceremony will be held in Stockholm.

Alfred Nobel's vision: Chemistry as a pillar of the Nobel Prize legacy

Chemistry held great significance in Alfred Nobel's personal work, playing a pivotal role in the development of his inventions and industrial processes. It was the second prize category mentioned in his will. On November 27, 1895, Alfred Nobel finalized his last will and testament, allocating a significant portion of his wealth to establish the Nobel Prizes. According to Nobel's will, a portion of these prizes was designated for “the person who shall have made the most important chemical discovery or improvement”.

Also Read: What is a Nobel Prize? What do the winners take home? Answers to these and more
History of Alfred Nobel

Alfred Nobel, a Swedish scientist and businessman in the 19th century, founded the Nobel Prizes. His claim to fame prior to receiving the Nobel Prizes was creating dynamite by combining nitroglycerine with a substance that made the explosion more stable. He possessed more than 300 patents.

The Royal Swedish Academy's commitment to science

Established in 1739, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences is an independent organization with the overarching goal of advancing the sciences and enhancing their impact on society. While it primarily focuses on the natural sciences and mathematics, the Academy actively fosters cross-disciplinary exchange of ideas.