Tuning the Luminescence Properties of Colloidal I–III–VI Semiconductor Nanocrystals for Optoelectronics and Biotechnology Applications

Abstract

In the past 5 years, colloidal I-III-VI nanocrystals such as CuInS2, CuInSe2, and AgInS2 have been intensively investigated for the potential to replace commonly available colloidal nanocrystals containing toxic elements in light-emitting and solar-harvesting applications. Many researchers from different disciplines are working on developing new synthetic protocols, performing spectroscopic studies to understand the luminescence mechanisms, and exploring various applications. To achieve enhanced performance, it is very desirable to obtain high-quality materials with tunable luminescence properties. In this Perspective, we highlight the current progress on tuning the luminescence properties of I-III-VI nanocrystals, especially focusing on the advances in the synthesis, spectroscopic properties, as well as the primary applications in light-emitting devices and bioimaging techniques. Finally, we outline the challenges concerning luminescent I-III-VI NCs and list a few important research tasks in this field.

Energy band structure ofCuInS2and optical spectra ofCuInS2nanocrystals

“…In addition, the absorption energy gap and photoluminescence in these materials are tunable over a wide range of the spectrum, from the near-infrared through the visible to the ultraviolet. [15][16][17][18] These flexible optical properties, combined with non-toxicity, indicate the great potential of CuInS 2…”

Design of cadmium-free colloidal II–VI semiconductor quantum dots exhibiting RGB emission

“…Among II-VI semiconductors, there is no candidate binary material system; however, ternary CuInS 2 -and CuInSe 2 -based materials have been proposed as alternative materials to CdSe. [14][15][16][17][18][19] Achieving a balanced precipitation of the three elements in these nanomaterials is very difficult through conventional solution synthesis of colloidal QDs. The obtained ternary QDs feature point defects owing to their non-stoichiometry.…”

“…21 The emission full width at half maximum of a typical ternary QDs is 100 nm, while that of a CdSe QD is approximately 30 nm. 8,14 Thus, suitable alternative material systems to CdSe have not yet been established.…”

Sonochemical synthesis of CuO nanostructures and their morphology dependent optical and visible light driven photocatalytic properties

“…Specifically, oxide nano-semiconductors are an important class of semiconductors, which have applications in various technological fields like opto-electronic industry [2], magnetic storage media [3], solar energy transformation [4], sensors [5] and photocatalysis [6]. Among the oxides semiconductors, CuO nanomaterial has been attracted much attention because of its novel properties towards the application in various technological industries [7].…”