Enhancement mechanism of quantum yield in core/shell/shell quantum dots of ZnS–AgIn5S8/ZnIn2S4/ZnS

Abstract

To achieve a high quantum yield (QY) of nanomaterials suitable for optical applications, we improved the optical properties of AgIn₅S₈ (AIS) quantum dots (QDs) by employing an alloyed-core/inner-shell/outer-shell (ZAIS/ZIS/ZnS) structure. We also investigated the mechanism of optical transitions to clarify the improvement of QYs. In AIS, the low-energy absorption near the band edge region is attributed to the weakly allowed band gap transition, which gains oscillator strength through state intermixing and electron–phonon coupling. The main photoluminescence is also ascribed to the weakly allowed band gap transition with characteristics of self-trapped excitonic emission. With alloying/shelling processes, the weakly allowed transition is enhanced by the evolution of the electronic structures in the alloyed core, which improves the band gap emission. In shelled structures, the nonradiative process is reduced by the reconstructed lattice and passivated surface, ultimately leading to a high QY of 85% in ZAIS/ZIS/ZnS. These findings provide new insights into the optical transitions of AIS because they challenge previous conclusions. In addition, our work elucidates the mechanism behind the enhancement of QY accomplished through alloying/shelling processes, providing strategies to optimize nontoxic QDs for various applications using a green chemistry approach.