Themed collection Quantum Dots: Celebrating the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

51 items
Perspective

Colloidal quantum dot ligand engineering for high performance solar cells

Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are fast-improving materials for next-generation solution-processed optoelectronic devices such as solar cells, photocatalysis, light emitting diodes, and photodetectors.

Graphical abstract: Colloidal quantum dot ligand engineering for high performance solar cells
Review Article

An overview on enhancing the stability of lead halide perovskite quantum dots and their applications in phosphor-converted LEDs

The limited stability of lead halide perovskite quantum dots impedes their broad applications and has received tremendous attention. The instability driven by structure, interface, etc. is summarized. Simultaneously, strategies such as compositional engineering and surface engineering towards enabling stable perovskite emitters are reviewed.

Graphical abstract: An overview on enhancing the stability of lead halide perovskite quantum dots and their applications in phosphor-converted LEDs
Review Article

Carbon quantum dots and their applications

This review covers the progress in the research and development of carbon quantum dots and their applications in chemical sensing, biosensing, bioimaging, nanomedicine, photocatalysis and electrocatalysis.

Graphical abstract: Carbon quantum dots and their applications
Tutorial Review

CdSe nanocrystal based chem-/bio- sensors

Nanocrystals not only are good imaging agents but they can also be sensors of their biological and chemical environment.

Graphical abstract: CdSe nanocrystal based chem-/bio- sensors
Critical Review

Designing multifunctional quantum dots for bioimaging, detection, and drug delivery

This review outlines the major design principles and criteria governing the engineering of quantum dot-based diagnostic tools and nanotherapeutic agents.

Graphical abstract: Designing multifunctional quantum dots for bioimaging, detection, and drug delivery
Open Access Communication

Phosphinecarboxamide based InZnP QDs – an air tolerant route to luminescent III–V semiconductors

In this paper, we report the use of phosphinecarboxamide as a convenient, air and moisture tolerant group-V precursor for the simple synthesis of InP-based quantum dots.

Graphical abstract: Phosphinecarboxamide based InZnP QDs – an air tolerant route to luminescent III–V semiconductors
Communication

Superlattice deformation in quantum dot films on flexible substrates via uniaxial strain

Superlattice deformation in PbS quantum dot thin films introduced by uniaxial strain: In situ GISAXS study on the correlation of morphology and photoluminescence.

Graphical abstract: Superlattice deformation in quantum dot films on flexible substrates via uniaxial strain
Communication

Lead-free, stable, high-efficiency (52%) blue luminescent FA3Bi2Br9 perovskite quantum dots

Lead-free Bi-based perovskite FA3Bi2X9 (X = Cl, Br, and I) quantum dots (QDs) are synthesized for the first time at room temperature. The ligand-passivated FA3Bi2Br9 QDs exhibit blue emission at 437 nm with photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) up to 52%.

Graphical abstract: Lead-free, stable, high-efficiency (52%) blue luminescent FA3Bi2Br9 perovskite quantum dots
Communication

All-solution processed inverted green quantum dot light-emitting diodes with concurrent high efficiency and long lifetime

An all-solution processed inverted green quantum dot-based light-emitting diode with concurrent high efficiency and long lifetime is obtained by precisely controlled double shell growth of quantum dots.

Graphical abstract: All-solution processed inverted green quantum dot light-emitting diodes with concurrent high efficiency and long lifetime
Communication

Au quantum dots engineered room temperature crystallization and magnetic anisotropy in CoFe2O4 thin films

For the first time, this work presents a novel room temperature time-effective concept to manipulate the crystallization kinetics and magnetic responses of thin films grown on amorphous substrates.

Graphical abstract: Au quantum dots engineered room temperature crystallization and magnetic anisotropy in CoFe2O4 thin films
Communication

Perovskite quantum dots encapsulated in electrospun fiber membranes as multifunctional supersensitive sensors for biomolecules, metal ions and pH

Electrospun PMMA fiber membrane encapsulated with CsPbBr3 exhibits excellent FRET detection performance on trypsin, Cu2+ and pH.

Graphical abstract: Perovskite quantum dots encapsulated in electrospun fiber membranes as multifunctional supersensitive sensors for biomolecules, metal ions and pH
Communication

On the crystal structure of colloidally prepared CsPbBr3 quantum dots

Colloidally synthesized quantum dots of CsPbBr3 are orthorhombic in crystal structure not cubic.

Graphical abstract: On the crystal structure of colloidally prepared CsPbBr3 quantum dots
Communication

One-step hydrothermal synthesis of monolayer MoS2 quantum dots for highly efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Monolayer MoS2 QDs were prepared via a facile hydrothermal process and exhibited excellent catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction.

Graphical abstract: One-step hydrothermal synthesis of monolayer MoS2 quantum dots for highly efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Communication

Detection of high-energy compounds using photoluminescent silicon nanocrystal paper based sensors

A silicon nanocrystal paper based sensor has been developed for the rapid, on-site detection of nitro-group containing explosive compounds.

Graphical abstract: Detection of high-energy compounds using photoluminescent silicon nanocrystal paper based sensors
Communication

Fe2O3/carbon quantum dots complex photocatalysts and their enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light

Fe2O3/CQDs with high photocatalytic activity under visible light was synthesized by a hydrothermal method.

Graphical abstract: Fe2O3/carbon quantum dots complex photocatalysts and their enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light
Communication

6.5% efficient perovskite quantum-dot-sensitized solar cell

Highly efficient perovskite quantum-dot-sensitized solar cell.

Graphical abstract: 6.5% efficient perovskite quantum-dot-sensitized solar cell
Communication

Strongly green-photoluminescent graphene quantum dots for bioimaging applications

Strongly green fluorescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have been prepared, and they are successfully applied to image living cells.

Graphical abstract: Strongly green-photoluminescent graphene quantum dots for bioimaging applications
Communication

Facile preparation and upconversion luminescence of graphene quantum dots

We demonstrate that the upconverted PL properties of GQDs are similar to the ASPL, and the δE between the π and σ orbitals is near 1.1 eV.

Graphical abstract: Facile preparation and upconversion luminescence of graphene quantum dots
Communication

Electrocatalytic sulfur electrodes for CdS/CdSe quantum dot-sensitized solar cells

Current density–voltage curves of CdS/CdSe quantum dot-sensitized solar cells featuring Pt, NiS, CuS and CoS counter electrodes. Under AM 1.5 irradiation, the CdS/CdSe QDSSC featuring a CoS electrode and a polysulfide electrolyte provided an energy conversion efficiency as high as 3.4%.

Graphical abstract: Electrocatalytic sulfur electrodes for CdS/CdSe quantum dot-sensitized solar cells
Communication

Chiral highly luminescent CdS quantum dots

Strongly white emitting chiral D- and L- penicillamine capped CdS QDs have been prepared. Using CD spectroscopy we have shown that they are optically active with almost identical mirror images of one another in the range of 200–390 nm CD scans.

Graphical abstract: Chiral highly luminescent CdS quantum dots
Communication

Photoactivated luminescent CdSe quantum dots as sensitive cyanide probes in aqueous solutions

The first application of quantum dots as highly sensitive and selective luminescent probes for anions determination in aqueous solutions is described. The synthesized nanoparticles proved to be one of the most sensitive detection systems available for monitoring the highly toxic cyanide anion.

Graphical abstract: Photoactivated luminescent CdSe quantum dots as sensitive cyanide probes in aqueous solutions
Communication

Electronic and vibrational properties of a MOF-5 metal–organic framework: ZnO quantum dot behaviour

Photons at = 28 600 cm−1 are captured by the organic part of a MOF-5 metal–organic framework and efficiently transferred to the inorganic part, behaving as a ZnO quantum dot, emitting at hν′ = 19 050 cm−1.

Graphical abstract: Electronic and vibrational properties of a MOF-5 metal–organic framework: ZnO quantum dot behaviour
Communication

Peptide-coated CdS quantum dots for the optical detection of copper(II) and silver(I)

A pentapeptide with a designed amino acid sequence was utilized to fabricate a QD dot-based sensor. Similarly, new chemo- and biosensors may be developed by taking advantage of multi-functionality system design.

Graphical abstract: Peptide-coated CdS quantum dots for the optical detection of copper(ii) and silver(i)
Communication

Photosensitization of nanocrystalline TiO2 by self-assembled layers of CdS quantum dots

We report the preparation and characterization of CdS photosensitized TiO2 electrodes. Photocurrent spectroscopy indicate that the size of CdS Q-dots formed can be controlled via the concentration of stabilizer present during deposition.

Graphical abstract: Photosensitization of nanocrystalline TiO2 by self-assembled layers of CdS quantum dots
Open Access Edge Article

Blue-emitting InP quantum dots participate in an efficient resonance energy transfer process in water

Highly efficient pure-blue emitters based on environmentally friendly InP/ZnS quantum dots are developed for multicolour bioimaging and resonance energy transfer studies.

Graphical abstract: Blue-emitting InP quantum dots participate in an efficient resonance energy transfer process in water
Open Access Edge Article

ZnSe quantum dots modified with a Ni(cyclam) catalyst for efficient visible-light driven CO2 reduction in water

A robust precious metal-free photocatalyst system comprised of ligand-free ZnSe quantum dots and a phosphonic acid-functionalised Ni(cyclam) catalyst achieves efficient reduction of aqueous CO2 to CO.

Graphical abstract: ZnSe quantum dots modified with a Ni(cyclam) catalyst for efficient visible-light driven CO2 reduction in water
Edge Article

A nanocrystal-based ratiometric pH sensor for natural pH ranges

A CdSe/CdZnS nanocrystal modified with a SNARF dye exhibits a ratiometric sensing response in a physiologically relevant pH range (6–9) under linear and two-photon excitation.

Graphical abstract: A nanocrystal-based ratiometric pH sensor for natural pH ranges
Edge Article

Alternating layer addition approach to CdSe/CdS core/shell quantum dots with near-unity quantum yield and high on-time fractions

CdSe/CdS core/shell quantum dots can be formed using alternating layer addition, that display ensemble quantum yield close to unity in solution, a monoexponential PL lifetime, short biexciton lifetimes and high modulation depth blinking, maintaining a high on-time fraction.

Graphical abstract: Alternating layer addition approach to CdSe/CdS core/shell quantum dots with near-unity quantum yield and high on-time fractions
Edge Article

Highly efficient CdTe/CdS quantum dot sensitized solar cells fabricated by a one-step linker assisted chemical bath deposition

The power conversion efficiency of CdTe/CdS core/shell quantum dot sensitized solar cells achieves 3.8% and 5.25% under AM 1.5 G one sun (100 mW cm−2) and 0.12 sun illumination, respectively.

Graphical abstract: Highly efficient CdTe/CdS quantum dot sensitized solar cells fabricated by a one-step linker assisted chemical bath deposition
Open Access Paper

Co3O4 quantum dot decorated polypyrrole nanocomposites as a flexible, conducting, anticorrosive and antibacterial agent: sustainable experimental and theoretical approach

Co3O4 QD-based PPy NCs were synthesized by an in situ method. The NCs show 81.58% protection to MS. The antibacterial activity was comparable to that of Hexa disk antibiotics. The NCs were proved to be flexible, conducting, corrosion inhibiting, and antibacterial.

Graphical abstract: Co3O4 quantum dot decorated polypyrrole nanocomposites as a flexible, conducting, anticorrosive and antibacterial agent: sustainable experimental and theoretical approach
Open Access Paper

Non-stoichiometric CuxIn1−xS quantum dots for robust photodegradation of gemifloxacin: influencing parameters, intermediates, and insights into the mechanism

Promising 0D non-stoichiometric CuxIn1−xS quantum dots show robust photodegradation towards gemifloxacin under visible light.

Graphical abstract: Non-stoichiometric CuxIn1−xS quantum dots for robust photodegradation of gemifloxacin: influencing parameters, intermediates, and insights into the mechanism
Open Access Paper

CIS QDs nucleated on oxygen vacancy rich BOI microplates: a hybrid photocatalyst with enhanced green energy production via mediator free Z-scheme dynamics

Efficacious H2 and O2 evolution over mediator free direct Z-scheme oriented 0D-2D CIS-BOI heterostructure photocatalyst.

Graphical abstract: CIS QDs nucleated on oxygen vacancy rich BOI microplates: a hybrid photocatalyst with enhanced green energy production via mediator free Z-scheme dynamics
Paper

Photoconductive focal plane array based on HgTe quantum dots for fast and cost-effective short-wave infrared imaging

Image (left) acquired using a camera which active layer is a photoconductive layer fabricated from a HgTe nanocrystal film (schematic on right).

Graphical abstract: Photoconductive focal plane array based on HgTe quantum dots for fast and cost-effective short-wave infrared imaging
Paper

Color tunable emission from Eu3+ and Tm3+ co-doped CsPbBr3 quantum dot glass nanocomposites

Color coordinates of as cast and heat-treated samples at different times and temperatures.

Graphical abstract: Color tunable emission from Eu3+ and Tm3+ co-doped CsPbBr3 quantum dot glass nanocomposites
Open Access Paper

2D-MoS2 nanosheets as effective hole transport materials for colloidal PbS quantum dot solar cells

Herein, we demonstrate for the first time matrix-free deposition of two dimensional (2D) MoS2 nanosheets as an efficient hole transport layer (HTL) for colloidal lead sulfide (PbS) quantum dot (QD) solar cells.

Graphical abstract: 2D-MoS2 nanosheets as effective hole transport materials for colloidal PbS quantum dot solar cells
Paper

Enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalysis from WS2 quantum dots coupled to BiOCl nanosheets: synergistic effect and mechanism insight

Novel 0D/2D heterojunctions of WS2 QDs/BiOCl exhibited enhanced visible-light driven photocatalytic activity.

Graphical abstract: Enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalysis from WS2 quantum dots coupled to BiOCl nanosheets: synergistic effect and mechanism insight
Paper

Performance improvement of perovskite solar cells by employing a CdSe quantum dot/PCBM composite as an electron transport layer

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells with a CdSe quantum dot/PCBM composite as an electron transport layer are reported by materials synthesis, characterization, device fabrication, performance measurements and large-scale first-principles calculations.

Graphical abstract: Performance improvement of perovskite solar cells by employing a CdSe quantum dot/PCBM composite as an electron transport layer
Paper

All-inorganic quantum-dot light-emitting diodes based on perovskite emitters with low turn-on voltage and high humidity stability

We present the all-inorganic QLEDs, including inorganic perovskite emitters (CsPbBr3) and inorganic charge transport layers (CTLs), with emphasis on the significantly improved device stability and low turn-on voltage.

Graphical abstract: All-inorganic quantum-dot light-emitting diodes based on perovskite emitters with low turn-on voltage and high humidity stability
Paper

Carbon quantum dots as a visible light sensitizer to significantly increase the solar water splitting performance of bismuth vanadate photoanodes

Our photoanode has achieved a record high photocurrent density and applied bias photon-to-current efficiency for BiVO4-based photoanodes.

Graphical abstract: Carbon quantum dots as a visible light sensitizer to significantly increase the solar water splitting performance of bismuth vanadate photoanodes
Paper

One-pot synthesis of a quantum dot-based molecular imprinting nanosensor for highly selective and sensitive fluorescence detection of 4-nitrophenol in environmental waters

A facile surface imprinting polymerization one-pot synthesis strategy based on the electron-transfer induced fluorescence quenching mechanism for fluorescence detection of 4-nitrophenol.

Graphical abstract: One-pot synthesis of a quantum dot-based molecular imprinting nanosensor for highly selective and sensitive fluorescence detection of 4-nitrophenol in environmental waters
Open Access Paper

High-quality CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals for quantum dot light-emitting diodes

We synthesized luminescent CsPbBr3 nanocrystals with a high quantum yield and realized patterning and color-purity light-emitting diode applications.

Graphical abstract: High-quality CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals for quantum dot light-emitting diodes
Paper

Synthesis of carbon quantum dots from cabbage with down- and up-conversion photoluminescence properties: excellent imaging agent for biomedical applications

The synthesis of luminescent and biocompatible carbon quantum dots is demonstrated from cabbage, a new carbonaceous biomaterial, for bio-imaging.

Graphical abstract: Synthesis of carbon quantum dots from cabbage with down- and up-conversion photoluminescence properties: excellent imaging agent for biomedical applications
Paper

Edge-enriched graphene quantum dots for enhanced photo-luminescence and supercapacitance

Graphene quantum dots synthesized from activated graphene using ultrasonication and chemical activation shows high edge-enriched states resulting in excellent luminescence and capacitance properties.

Graphical abstract: Edge-enriched graphene quantum dots for enhanced photo-luminescence and supercapacitance
Paper

Highly luminescent S, N co-doped graphene quantum dots with broad visible absorption bands for visible light photocatalysts

A facile hydrothermal synthesis route to N and S, N co-doped graphene quantum dots (GQDs) was developed by using citric acid as the C source and urea or thiourea as N and S sources.

Graphical abstract: Highly luminescent S, N co-doped graphene quantum dots with broad visible absorption bands for visible light photocatalysts
Paper

High-performance quantum dot-sensitized solar cells based on sensitization with CuInS2 quantum dots/CdS heterostructure

A TiO2-sensitization layer consisting of CdS nanocrystals closely packed around the linked CuInS2 quantum dot-pillars yields a high conversion efficiency of 4.2% for the resulting sensitized solar cell.

Graphical abstract: High-performance quantum dot-sensitized solar cells based on sensitization with CuInS2 quantum dots/CdS heterostructure
Paper

One-pot hydrothermal synthesis of graphene quantum dots surface-passivated by polyethylene glycol and their photoelectric conversion under near-infrared light

Compared with the graphene quantum dots (GQDs), GQDs surface-passivated by polyethylene glycol (GQDs-PEG) possessed higher fluorescence performance and upconversion properties. And they exhibited an obvious and stable photocurrent under near-infrared (NIR) light.

Graphical abstract: One-pot hydrothermal synthesis of graphene quantum dots surface-passivated by polyethylene glycol and their photoelectric conversion under near-infrared light
Paper

CuInS2/ZnS core/shell quantum dots by cation exchange and their blue-shifted photoluminescence

Highly luminescent CuInS2/ZnS (CIS/ZnS) core/shell quantum dots with a quantum yield of 65% were synthesized by a cation exchange reaction.

Graphical abstract: CuInS2/ZnS core/shell quantum dots by cation exchange and their blue-shifted photoluminescence
Paper

Preparation and enhanced visible-light photocatalytic H2-production activity of CdS quantum dots-sensitized Zn1−xCdxS solid solution

CdS quantum dot-sensitized Zn1−xCdxS materials show high visible-light photocatalytic H2-production activity in aqueous solutions containing Na2SO3 and Na2S sacrificial reagents.

Graphical abstract: Preparation and enhanced visible-light photocatalytic H2-production activity of CdS quantum dots-sensitized Zn1−xCdxS solid solution
Paper

A systematic examination of surface coatings on the optical and chemical properties of semiconductor quantum dots

Hydrophobic Quantum Dots (QDs) were solubilized in water using various ligands and surface coatings, in order to examine the hydrodynamic size, fluorescence quantum yield, photostability, chemical stability, and biocompatibility of water-soluble QDs.

Graphical abstract: A systematic examination of surface coatings on the optical and chemical properties of semiconductor quantum dots
Paper

Simultaneous detection of Escherichia coli O157∶H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium using quantum dots as fluorescence labels

Escherichia coli O157∶H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium in a food sample were simultaneously determined by measuring the intensity of the emission peaks of fluorescent nanoparticles at 525 nm and 705 nm.

Graphical abstract: Simultaneous detection of Escherichia coli O157∶H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium using quantum dots as fluorescence labels
Research Article

Oxygen vacancies confined in Co3O4 quantum dots for promoting oxygen evolution electrocatalysis

Abundant oxygen vacancies confined in Co3O4 quantum dots provide more efficient Co(II), more active sites and improved conductivity for superior OER performance.

Graphical abstract: Oxygen vacancies confined in Co3O4 quantum dots for promoting oxygen evolution electrocatalysis
51 items

About this collection

This cross-journal collection is dedicated to quantum dots, in honour of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. We have selected a wide range of well-received articles and reviews (including several authored by one of the Nobel Prize winners, Moungi Bawendi), published over the last twenty years, to showcase the diverse work produced in the field of quantum dots. This collection mainly focuses on traditional semiconductor-based quantum dots, but some more recent developments in the field, such as carbon quantum dots, have also been included. Research on the synthesis, characterisation/optimisation and various applications of quantum dots has been of great importance to the development of the field of nanotechnology.

Spotlight

Advertisements