Abstract: Colloidal nanoplatelets are probably the closest researchers have come to atomically precise nanocrystals. In particular in the case of CdSe, nanoplatelets can be synthesized as sheets terminated by (100) facets and with an almost perfectly controlled thickness, that can be set anywhere between 2.5 to 8.5 monolayers. The combination of a well-defined crystallography and thickness makes nanoplatelets unique model systems to explore the chemistry and physics of nanostructures.

In this talk, we explore three examples were studies on nanoplatelet ensembles are used to obtain insight in (1) the surface chemistry of nanocrystals, (2) the localization of charge carriers in nanometer-sized semiconductors and (3) optical gain by 2D materials. In all 3 examples, experimental results are quantitatively compared with predictions from simulations; an approach that highlights the unique role of nanoplatelets to explore and verify scientific concepts in nanocrystal science.