Inorganic Chemistry Solutions to Semiconductor Nanocrystal Problems

Journal Article · Sat Mar 15 04:00:00 EDT 2014 · Coordination Chemistry Reviews

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccr.2013.09.001· OSTI ID:1136863

Alvarado, Samuel R. ^[1]; Guo, Yijun ^[1]; Ruberu, T. Purnima A. ^[1]; Tavasoli, Elham ^[1]; Vela, Javier ^[1]

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1. Ames Laboratory

The optoelectronic and chemical properties of semiconductor nanocrystals heavily depend on their composition, size, shape and internal structure, surface functionality, etc. Available strategies to alter these properties through traditional colloidal syntheses and ligand exchange methods place a premium on specific reaction conditions and surfactant combinations. In this invited review, we apply a molecular-level understanding of chemical precursor reactivity to reliably control the morphology, composition and intimate architecture (core/shell vs. alloyed) of semiconductor nanocrystals. We also describe our work aimed at achieving highly selective, low-temperature photochemical methods for the synthesis of semiconductor–metal and semiconductor–metal oxide photocatalytic nanocomposites. In addition, we describe our work on surface modification of semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots using new approaches and methods that bypass ligand exchange, retaining the nanocrystal's native ligands and original optical properties, as well as on spectroscopic methods of characterization useful in determining surface ligand organization and chemistry. Using recent examples from our group and collaborators, we demonstrate how these efforts have lead to faster, wider and more systematic application of semiconductor nanocrystal-based materials to biological imaging and tracking, and to photocatalysis of unconventional substrates. We believe techniques and methods borrowed from inorganic chemistry (including coordination, organometallic and solid state chemistry) have much to offer in reaching a better understanding of the synthesis, functionalization and real-life application of such exciting materials as semiconductor nanocrystals (quantum dots, rods, tetrapods, etc.).

• Research Organization: Ames Laboratory (AMES), Ames, IA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Science (SC)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-07CH11358
• OSTI ID: 1136863
• Report Number(s): IS-J 8263
• Journal Information: Coordination Chemistry Reviews, Journal Name: Coordination Chemistry Reviews Vol. 263-264; ISSN 0010-8545
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
Bottom-up nanofabrication
Chemical reactivity
Molecular programming
Photocatalysis
Photodeposition
Quantum dot valence
Surface functionalization