Quantum dots (QDs) with tunable photo-optical properties and colloidal nature are ideal for a wide range of photocatalytic reactions. In particular, QD photocatalysts for organic transformations can provide new and effective synthetic routes to high value-added molecules under mild conditions. In this Perspective, we discuss the advances of employing QDs for visible-light-driven organic transformations categorized into net reductive reactions, net oxidative reactions, and redox neutral reactions. We then provide our outlook for potential future directions in the field: nanostructure engineering to improve charge separation efficiencies, ligand shell engineering to optimize overall catalyst performance, in situ comprehensive studies to delineate underlying reaction mechanisms, and laboratory automation with the assistance of modern computing techniques to revolutionize the reaction optimization process.

Long-term plasticity is well documented in synapses between glutamatergic principal cells in the cortex both in vitro and in vivo. Long-term potentiation (LTP) and -depression (LTD) have also been reported in glutamatergic connections to hippocampal GABAergic interneurons expressing parvalbumin (PV+) or nitric oxide synthase (NOS+) in brain slices, but plasticity in these cells has not been tested in vivo. We investigated synaptically-evoked suprathreshold excitation of identified hippocampal neurons in the CA1 area of urethane-anaesthetized rats. Neurons were recorded extracellularly with glass microelectrodes, and labelled with neurobiotin for anatomical analyses. Single-shock electrical stimulation of afferents from the contralateral CA1 elicited postsynaptic action potentials with monosynaptic features showing short delay (9.95 ± 0.41 ms) and small jitter in 13 neurons through the commissural pathway. Theta-burst stimulation (TBS) generated LTP of the synaptically-evoked spike probability in pyramidal cells, and in a bistratified cell and two unidentified fast-spiking interneurons. On the contrary, PV+ basket cells and NOS+ ivy cells exhibited either LTD or LTP. An identified axo-axonic cell failed to show long-term change in its response to stimulation. Discharge of the cells did not explain whether LTP or LTD was generated. For the fast-spiking interneurons, as a group, no correlation was found between plasticity and local field potential oscillations (1–3 or 3–6 Hz components) recorded immediately prior to TBS. The results demonstrate activity-induced long-term plasticity in synaptic excitation of hippocampal PV+ and NOS+ interneurons in vivo. Physiological and pathological activity patterns in vivo may generate similar plasticity in these interneurons.

Lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have recently drawn considerable attention in the fields of materials science and nanotechnology. However, a major drawback of these NCs is the reliance on toxic lead, which hinders widespread application. Herein, a new class of lead‐free perovskite NCs, that is, lanthanide double perovskite (Ln‐DP) NCs, with f‐orbital‐induced optical properties, is introduced. The Pr‐, Ce‐, Tb‐, Eu‐, Sm‐, and Yb‐based Ln‐DP NCs display narrow d→f and f→f emissions ranging from the UV‐C to the near‐infrared spectral region. Experimental data and calculations reveal that the emissive Ln‐DP NCs exhibit small molecule‐like electronic absorptions: f→d atomic transitions or ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer transitions. Last, it is demonstrated that by alloying Ln compositions in the DP NCs, new materials with unique and improved optical properties can be obtained. These Ln‐DP NCs are promising for optical sensing and lighting, and as components in optoelectronic and/or magneto‐fluorescent devices.