The origin and evolution of molecular precursors for quantum dot synthesis

Abstract

The 2023 Nobel Prize for Chemistry was awarded to Ekimov, Brus and Bawendi for the ‘discovery and synthesis of quantum dots.’ This was particularly gratifying for materials chemists as the award acknowledged the striking (and often overlooked) evolution of solution chemistry towards quantum-confined materials and solid-state materials in general. Traditionally, quantum dots have been highlighted for their remarkable optical properties (the ‘discovery’ part of the Nobel award), specifically the size-tuneable absorption and emission. In this review, we wish to highlight the origins and evolution of the synthetic chemistry, the development of which has ultimately led to the emergence of novel biological probes, solar cells and light emitting devices.