A 

nanocrystal is a material particle having at least one dimension smaller than 100 nanometres,
based on quantum dots[1] (a nanoparticle) and composed of atoms in either a single- or poly-
crystalline arrangement.[2]
The size of nanocrystals distinguishes them from larger crystals. For example, silicon nanocrystals
can provide efficient light emission while bulk silicon does not[3] and may be used for memory
components.[4]
When embedded in solids, nanocrystals may exhibit much more complex melting behaviour than
conventional solids[5] and may form the basis of a special class of solids.[6] They can behave as
single-domain systems (a volume within the system having the same atomic or molecular
arrangement throughout) that can help explain the behaviour of macroscopic samples of a similar
material without the complicating presence of grain boundaries and other defects.[citation needed]
Semiconductor nanocrystals having dimensions smaller than 10 nm are also described as quantum
dots.

Synthesis[edit]
The traditional method involves molecular precursors, which can include typical metal salts and a
source of the anion. Most semiconducting nanomaterials feature chalcogenides (SS−, SeS−, TeS−) and
pnicnides (P3−, As3−, Sb3−). Sources of these elements are the silylated derivatives such
as bis(trimethylsilyl)sulfide (S(SiMe3)2 and tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine (P(SiMe3)3).[7]

Nanoscale tertiary phosphine-stabilized Ag-S cluster prepared from molecular precursors. Color code: gray =
Ag, violet = P, orange = S.[8]

Some procedures use surfactants to solubilize the growing nanocrystals.[9] In some cases,
nanocrystals can exchange their elements with reagents through atomic diffusion.[9]

Applications[edit]
Filter[edit]
Nanocrystals made with zeolite are used to filter crude oil into diesel fuel at an ExxonMobil oil
refinery in Louisiana at a cost less than conventional methods.[10]

Wear resistance[edit]
Nanocrystals' level of hardness[11] is closer to the optimized molecular hardness[12] which attracts
the wear resistance industry[13][14]