UV-Induced Nanoparticles-Formation, Properties and Their Potential Role in Origin of Life

0538029 - ÚFCH JH 2021 RIV CH eng J - Journal Article
Nejdl, L. - Zemánková, K. - Havlíková, M. - Burešová, M. - Hynek, D. - Xhaxhiu, K. - Mravec, F. - Matoušková, M. - Adam, V. - Ferus, Martin - Kapus, J. - Vaculovičová, M.
UV-Induced Nanoparticles-Formation, Properties and Their Potential Role in Origin of Life.
Nanomaterials. Roč. 10, č. 8 (2020), č. článku 1529. E-ISSN 2079-4991
R&D Projects: GA ČR GA19-03314S; GA MŠMT EF16_019/0000778
Institutional support: RVO:61388955
Keywords : cdte quantum-dots * sedimentary-rocks * gale crater * reduction * chemistry * earth
OECD category: Physical chemistry
Impact factor: 5.076, year: 2020
Method of publishing: Open access

Inorganic nanoparticles might have played a vital role in the transition from inorganic chemistry to self-sustaining living systems. Such transition may have been triggered or controlled by processes requiring not only versatile catalysts but also suitable reaction surfaces. Here, experimental results showing that multicolor quantum dots might have been able to participate as catalysts in several specific and nonspecific reactions, relevant to the prebiotic chemistry are demonstrated. A very fast and easy UV-induced formation of ZnCd quantum dots (QDs) with a quantum yield of up to 47% was shown to occur 5 min after UV exposure of the solution containing Zn(II) and Cd(II) in the presence of a thiol capping agent. In addition to QDs formation, xanthine activity was observed in the solution. The role of solar radiation to induce ZnCd QDs formation was replicated during a stratospheric balloon flight.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0315863