Polytypic Zn–(In,Ga)–Se Nanocrystals with Tunable Emission

Sun, Zhaohong; Baluyot-Reyes, Nina; Zamarripa, Karla; Djurovich, Peter I.; Thompson, Mark E.; Brutchey, Richard L.

doi:10.1021/acs.nanolett.5c03311

Polytypic Zn–(In,Ga)–Se Nanocrystals with Tunable Emission

Journal Article · Sat Sep 20 00:00:00 EDT 2025 · Nano Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.5c03311· OSTI ID:3015135

^[1]; ^[1]; Zamarripa, Karla ^[2]; ^[1]; ^[1]; ^[1]

University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (United States)
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (United States); Cerritos College, Norwalk, CA (United States)

While the polymorphism of chalcopyrite semiconductors has been widely studied, the wurtzite analogues of defect-chalcopyrite II–III₂–VI₄ compositions, such as Zn(In,Ga)₂(S,Se)₄, remain underexplored. Here, we report the synthesis of polytypic Zn–(In,Ga)–Se multipods via cation exchange using ZnSe as a template. With cubic cores and wurtzite arms elongated along the hexagonal c-axis, the multipods retain the structure and morphology of the ZnSe template. Optical characterization reveals composition-dependent absorption and photoluminescence, tunable from the visible to the near-infrared region, with spectral features distinct from those of previously reported defect-chalcopyrite structures. Temperature-dependent measurements demonstrate strong emission at cryogenic temperatures, which is quenched near room temperature due to thermally activated nonradiative processes. Here, we illustrate the use of ZnSe as a platform for cation exchange toward wurtzite multinary chalcogenides, unlocking access to novel structures with colorful optical properties.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program; National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)

Grant/Contract Number:: SC0006812

OSTI ID:: 3015135

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 3013924

Journal Information:: Nano Letters, Journal Name: Nano Letters Journal Issue: 39 Vol. 25; ISSN 1530-6992; ISSN 1530-6984

Publisher:: American Chemical Society (ACS)Copyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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