Recent advances in IV–VI semiconductor nanocrystals: synthesis, mechanism, and applications

Abstract

This review is focused on the recent developments of the synthesis, mechanism and applications of IV-VI semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs), including germanium-, tin-and lead-based chalcogenides NCs. First of all, we systematically introduce a series of investigations on the preparation with controllable size and shape via a wide variety of methods. Corresponding growth mechanisms are also discussed. Moreover, the promising potential of IV-VI semiconductor NCs as building blocks with respect to energy, sensors and catalysis is highlighted. For the purpose of enhancing the performance to satisfy the practical applications, tailored nanocomposites by combining noble metals or graphene etc. are further developed. Finally, we present some concluding remarks and perspectives for future developments. We hope this article can provide researchers with the key snapshots of the recent advances and the future challenges, thus achieving a great progress in IV-VI semiconductor NCs.

Phase-pure fabrication and shape evolution studies of SnS nanosheets

“…7 Tin sulfides are a class of IV-VI semiconductors which have many phases such as SnS, Sn 2 S 3 , Sn 3 S 4 , Sn 4 S 5 and SnS 2 8 SnS is a narrow band gap material with both an indirect and a direct band gap (1.1 eV and 1.3 eV), whereas SnS 2 is an important mid-band gap (2.2-2.35 eV) semiconductor. [9][10][11][12] The use of SnS as an anode material for lithium ion batteries has also been reported. [9][10][11][12] The use of SnS as an anode material for lithium ion batteries has also been reported.…”

Thermal stability of lead sulfide and lead oxide nano-crystalline materials

“…Therefore, studies relating to the crystal structure and properties are essential to realize potential applications these materials have to offer. Lead-based compounds demonstrate interesting chemical and physical characteristics and are widely used in many applications such as FE transistor, photoresistors, diode, lasers, optical detectors, hybrid organic solar cells, and imaging-labeling applications (Xiao et al 2013;Patil et al 2006;Ikram et al 2014Ikram et al , 2016So et al 2017). Lead oxide, which is one of the basic lead compounds, exists in different stoichiometric forms depending on the lead-to-oxygen ratio, e.g., PbO, PbO 2 , Pb 2 O 3 , Pb 3 O 4 , and Pb 9 O 12 .…”

Engineering microtubular SnO2 architecture assembled by interconnected nanosheets for high lithium storage capacity

“…The third one is widely known to be reversible and the lithium ions can be repeatedly alloyed and dealloyed with Sn formed in situ, which contributes to the dominant capacity of the present system. 17,18,[51][52][53] However, this reversible process is also accompanied by the dramatic structural change, which leads to pulverization of the electrodes and becomes significant drawback of SnO 2 -based electrode materials. To alleviate this problem, one effective strategy is to design desired nanostructures, where the concept is to utilize the local empty space and porous shell, to partly buffer the large volume change, thus improving the capacity retention of the electrode materials upon extended cycling.…”