Issue 30, 2024

Unravelling the intricacies of solvents and sulfur sources in colloidal synthesis of metal sulfide semiconductor nanocrystals

Abstract

Synthetic routes producing colloidal metal sulfide semiconductors vary in mechanism depending on the sulfur precursor utilized in the reaction. This review provides overarching insights into the molecular mechanisms underpinning successful material synthesis. The diverse range of sulfur precursors are categorized here into eight general classes representing the most common types of reagents: S8, thioacetamide, thiols, thioethers, dithiocarbamates, carbon disulfide, thioureas, and trialkylphosphine sulfides. These precursors for non-aqueous synthesis provide reactive sulfur species via different pathways to form metal sulfides. The reaction pathways are discussed with a focus on creating quantum-confined colloidal nanocrystals, i.e. quantum dots (QDs), that are applicable as optoelectronic materials. This literature review underscores the nuanced interplay between sulfur source, reaction solvent, and reaction mechanisms, providing insights crucial for tailoring new metal sulfide synthesis strategies.

Graphical abstract: Unravelling the intricacies of solvents and sulfur sources in colloidal synthesis of metal sulfide semiconductor nanocrystals

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
05 Apr 2024
Accepted
18 Jun 2024
First published
10 Jul 2024
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

J. Mater. Chem. C, 2024,12, 11319-11334

Unravelling the intricacies of solvents and sulfur sources in colloidal synthesis of metal sulfide semiconductor nanocrystals

V. Mauritz and R. W. Crisp, J. Mater. Chem. C, 2024, 12, 11319 DOI: 10.1039/D4TC01414F

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence. You can use material from this article in other publications without requesting further permissions from the RSC, provided that the correct acknowledgement is given.

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