Issue 24, 2013

Ternary and quaternary metal chalcogenide nanocrystals: synthesis, properties and applications

Abstract

We review the field of multinary metal chalcogenide nanocrystals, which has gained strongly increasing interest in the quest for novel narrow band gap semiconductors. Small (2–4 nm) CuInS2 and CuInSe2 nanocrystals, for example, exhibit size dependent luminescence in the visible and near infrared range. Their quantum yield can exceed 50% after growth of a ZnS shell, which makes them appealing emitters for lighting, displaying and biological imaging applications. Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) nanocrystals, on the other hand, can be used as solution processed absorbing materials in thin film solar cells showing high power conversion efficiencies (currently around 8–10%). These examples illustrate that multinary metal chalcogenide nanocrystals have high potential for replacing classical cadmium and lead chalcogenide quantum dots in many fields. We give an overview of the chemical synthesis methods of the different systems reported to date, classifying them according to the obtained crystal structure. Next, we discuss their photophysical properties and give a brief description of the main fields of application. Finally, we conclude by outlining current challenges and related future directions of this exponentially growing domain.

Graphical abstract: Ternary and quaternary metal chalcogenide nanocrystals: synthesis, properties and applications

Article information

Article type
Feature Article
Submitted
11 vas. 2013
Accepted
04 bal. 2013
First published
04 bal. 2013

J. Mater. Chem. C, 2013,1, 3756-3776

Ternary and quaternary metal chalcogenide nanocrystals: synthesis, properties and applications

D. Aldakov, A. Lefrançois and P. Reiss, J. Mater. Chem. C, 2013, 1, 3756 DOI: 10.1039/C3TC30273C

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements