Energetics and dynamics of exciton–exciton interactions in compound colloidal semiconductor quantum dots

Abstract

The energetics and dynamics of multiply excited states in single material colloidal quantum dots have already been shown to exhibit universal trends. Here we attempt to identify similar trends in exciton–exciton interactions within compound colloidal quantum dots. For this end, we thoroughly review previously available data and also present experimental data on several newly synthesized systems, focusing on core/shell nanocrystals with a type-II band alignment. A universal condition for the transition from binding to repulsion of the biexciton (type-I–type-II transition) is established in terms of the change in the exciton radiative lifetime. A scaling rule is also presented for the magnitude of exciton–exciton repulsion. In contrast, we do not identify a clear universal scaling of the non-radiative Auger recombination lifetime of the biexciton state. Finally, a perspective on future applications of engineered multiexcitonic states is presented.