Gels and aerogels from colloidal nanocrystals

The processes of ageing, chemical and photochemical treatment leading to 3D networks (gels) in aqueous colloidal solutions of CdTe nanocrystals were investigated. The gels were dried to form highly porous aerogels. Potential applicability of the approaches to other nanoparticle types (e.g. noble metals) was demonstrated. The great potential of such kinds of aerogels for application in optoelectronics and catalysis is discussed.