The surface science of nanocrystals

Iron oxide nanoclusters for T 1 magnetic resonance imaging of non-human primates

Iron-oxide-based contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) had been clinically approved in the United States and Europe, yet most of these nanoparticle products were discontinued owing to failures to meet rigorous clinical requirements. Significant advances have been made in the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles and their biomedical applications, but several major challenges remain for their clinical translation, in particular large-scale and reproducible synthesis, systematic toxicity assessment, and their preclinical evaluation in MRI of large animals. Here, we report the results of a toxicity study of iron oxide nanoclusters of uniform size in large animal models, including beagle dogs and the more clinically relevant macaques. We also show that iron oxide nanoclusters can be used as T ₁ MRI contrast agents for high-resolution magnetic resonance angiography in beagle dogs and macaques, and that dynamic MRI enables the detection of cerebral ischaemia in these large animals. Iron oxide nanoclusters show clinical potential as next-generation MRI contrast agents.

Role of Core-Shell Formation in Exciton Confinement Relaxation in Dithiocarbamate-Capped CdSe QDs

The possibility of exciton delocalization in alkyldithiocarbamate (ATC)-capped CdSe has been investigated for several alkyl groups and compared with phenyldithiocarbamates (PTCs). We find a bathochromic shift for ATC similar to the one obtained for PTC. Our computational studies show reduction in HOMO-LUMO gaps in both PTC and ATC, albeit with a lower shift. However, TDDFT studies revealed that ATC-capped CdSe is more of a localized HOMO state as compared with partly delocalized HOMO in PTC-capped CdSe, hinting at a difference in electronic interaction between the two binding groups. We hypothesized the formation of sulfide layer over the CdSe QDs as the possible reason for the observed bathochromic shift, as verified by absorption spectra of S^2- ligand exchange samples. The formation of CdS shell leads to substantial electron delocalization because CdSe CB is in close resonance with CdS, which is exactly the opposite of what was previously concluded in the literature.

Hybrid Colloidal Stabilization Mechanism toward Improved Photoluminescence and Stability of CdSe/CdS Core/Shell Quantum Dots

Colloidal quantum dots can be stabilized in either a polar solvent or a nonpolar solvent depending on their surface chemistry. The former is typically achieved by charge stabilization while the latter by steric hindrance. This allows reversible tuning of their surface polarity for targeted application by engineering their ligand profile. Here we developed a hybrid stabilization approach that leveraged a combination of steric hindrance and charge stabilization simultaneously. We demonstrated this mechanism in a phase transfer process where hexane dispersed and hydrophobic CdSe/CdS core/shell quantum dots were exchanged into the hydrophilic dimethylformamide (DMF) phase. This was achieved by employing both Z-type cadmium acetate and X-type halide ligands. The results suggested only by using this hybrid stabilization strategy were we able to achieve good colloidal stability while preserving their photoluminescence quantum yield. This hybrid ligand strategy may promise new opportunities for the application of QDs in optoelectronic areas.

Magnetic polaron on dangling-bond spins in CdSe colloidal nanocrystals

Non-magnetic colloidal nanostructures can demonstrate magnetic properties typical for diluted magnetic semiconductors because the spins of dangling bonds at their surface can act as the localized spins of magnetic ions. Here we report the observation of dangling-bond magnetic polarons (DBMPs) in 2.8-nm diameter CdSe colloidal nanocrystals (NCs). The DBMP binding energy of 7 meV is measured from the spectral shift of the emission lines under selective laser excitation. The polaron formation at low temperatures occurs by optical orientation of the dangling-bond spins (DBSs) that result from dangling-bond-assisted radiative recombination of spin-forbidden dark excitons. Modelling of the temperature dependence of the DBMP-binding energy and emission intensity shows that the DBMP is composed of a dark exciton and about 60 DBSs. The exchange integral of one DBS with the electron confined in the NC is ∼0.12 meV.

Functionalized self-assembly of colloidal CdX (X = S, Se) nanorods on solid substrates for device applications

In comparison to randomly oriented nanorods (NRs), self-assembly of the colloidal CdX (X = S, Se) NRs into well-organized large-scale structures results in unique collective properties. Moreover, the anisotropic structural features of self-assemblies preserved from colloidal CdX (X = S, Se) NRs have opened up exciting opportunities in the field of nanotechnology applications. We present the latest strategies for the self-assembly of colloidal NRs on solid substrates, and further focus on the self-assembled NRs for applications in devices. Advanced progress in the preparation of NR building blocks on the basis of nanofabrication techniques and comprehensive studies on the interactions of NRs with substrates will remarkably expand the application of colloidal semiconductor NRs. Understanding and mastering the driving forces behind the assembly of the NRs is the key goal of engineering future functional structures based on NRs.

Highly Luminescent Water-Dispersible NIR-Emitting Wurtzite CuInS2/ZnS Core/Shell Colloidal Quantum Dots

Copper indium sulfide (CIS) quantum dots (QDs) are attractive as labels for biomedical imaging, since they have large absorption coefficients across a broad spectral range, size- and composition-tunable photoluminescence from the visible to the near-infrared, and low toxicity. However, the application of NIR-emitting CIS QDs is still hindered by large size and shape dispersions and low photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs). In this work, we develop an efficient pathway to synthesize highly luminescent NIR-emitting wurtzite CIS/ZnS QDs, starting from template Cu_2-x S nanocrystals (NCs), which are converted by topotactic partial Cu⁺ for In³⁺ exchange into CIS NCs. These NCs are subsequently used as cores for the overgrowth of ZnS shells (≤1 nm thick). The CIS/ZnS core/shell QDs exhibit PL tunability from the first to the second NIR window (750-1100 nm), with PLQYs ranging from 75% (at 820 nm) to 25% (at 1050 nm), and can be readily transferred to water upon exchange of the native ligands for mercaptoundecanoic acid. The resulting water-dispersible CIS/ZnS QDs possess good colloidal stability over at least 6 months and PLQYs ranging from 39% (at 820 nm) to 6% (at 1050 nm). These PLQYs are superior to those of commonly available water-soluble NIR-fluorophores (dyes and QDs), making the hydrophilic CIS/ZnS QDs developed in this work promising candidates for further application as NIR emitters in bioimaging. The hydrophobic CIS/ZnS QDs obtained immediately after the ZnS shelling are also attractive as fluorophores in luminescent solar concentrators.

Atomic models for anionic ligand passivation of cation-rich surfaces of IV-VI, II-VI, and III-V colloidal quantum dots

We formulated atomic models of cation-rich surfaces passivated with anionic ligands for IV-VI, II-VI, and III-V colloidal quantum dots, employing electron counting models and quantum mechanical calculations. We found that the fractional dangling bonds of cation-rich (100) and (111) surfaces could be greatly stabilized by dimerization-anion passivation and amine-anion co-passivation.

One-Dimensional Carrier Confinement in "Giant" CdS/CdSe Excitonic Nanoshells

The emerging generation of quantum dot optoelectronic devices offers an appealing prospect of a size-tunable band gap. The confinement-enabled control over electronic properties, however, requires nanoparticles to be sufficiently small, which leads to a large area of interparticle boundaries in a film. Such interfaces lead to a high density of surface traps which ultimately increase the electrical resistance of a solid. To address this issue, we have developed an inverse energy-gradient core/shell architecture supporting the quantum confinement in nanoparticles larger than the exciton Bohr radius. The assembly of such nanostructures exhibits a relatively low surface-to-volume ratio, which was manifested in this work through the enhanced conductance of solution-processed films. The reported core/shell geometry was realized by growing a narrow gap semiconductor layer (CdSe) on the surface of a wide-gap core material (CdS) promoting the localization of excitons in the shell domain, as was confirmed by ultrafast transient absorption and emission lifetime measurements. The band gap emission of fabricated nanoshells, ranging from 15 to 30 nm in diameter, has revealed a characteristic size-dependent behavior tunable via the shell thickness with associated quantum yields in the 4.4-16.0% range.

Tuning colloidal quantum dot band edge positions through solution-phase surface chemistry modification

Band edge positions of semiconductors determine their functionality in many optoelectronic applications such as photovoltaics, photoelectrochemical cells and light emitting diodes. Here we show that band edge positions of lead sulfide (PbS) colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals, specifically quantum dots (QDs), can be tuned over 2.0 eV through surface chemistry modification. We achieved this remarkable control through the development of simple, robust and scalable solution-phase ligand exchange methods, which completely replace native ligands with functionalized cinnamate ligands, allowing for well-defined, highly tunable chemical systems. By combining experiments and ab initio simulations, we establish clear relationships between QD surface chemistry and the band edge positions of ligand/QD hybrid systems. We find that in addition to ligand dipole, inter-QD ligand shell inter-digitization contributes to the band edge shifts. We expect that our established relationships and principles can help guide future optimization of functional organic/inorganic hybrid nanostructures for diverse optoelectronic applications.

The band edge positions of semiconductors decide their optoelectronic properties. Here, the authors establish a simple ligand exchange strategy to tune the band edge positions of colloidal PbS semiconductor quantum dots, revealing clear relationships between surface chemistry and band edge position.

Enhancing the Performance of Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diodes Using Room-Temperature-Processed Ga-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles as the Electron Transport Layer

Colloidal ZnO nanoparticle (NP) films are recognized as efficient electron transport layers (ETLs) for quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QD-LEDs) with good stability and high efficiency. However, because of the inherently high work function of such films, spontaneous charge transfer occurs at the QD/ZnO interface in such a QD-LED, thus leading to reduced performance. Here, to improve the QD-LED performance, we prepared Ga-doped ZnO NPs with low work functions and tailored band structures via a room-temperature (RT) solution process without the use of bulky organic ligands. We found that the charge transfer at the interface between the CdSe/ZnS QDs and the doped ZnO NPs was significantly weakened because of the incorporated Ga dopants. Remarkably, the as-assembled QD-LEDs, with Ga-doped ZnO NPs as the ETLs, exhibited superior luminances of up to 44 000 cd/m² and efficiencies of up to 15 cd/A, placing them among the most efficient red-light QD-LEDs ever reported. This discovery provides a new strategy for fabricating high-performance QD-LEDs by using RT-processed Ga-doped ZnO NPs as the ETLs, which could be generalized to improve the efficiency of other optoelectronic devices.

Protein Corona Analysis of Silver Nanoparticles Exposed to Fish Plasma

Nanoparticles (NPs) in contact with biological fluids experience changes in surface chemistry that can impact their biodistribution and downstream physiological impact. One such change involves the formation of a protein corona (PC) on the surface of NPs. Here we present a foundational study on PC formation following the incubation of polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated AgNPs (PVP-AgNPs, 50 nm) in the plasma of smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu). PC formation increases with exposure time and is also affected by gender, with AgNPs incubated in male plasma having slightly thinner PCs and less negative zeta potentials than those incubated in female plasma. Proteomic analysis also revealed gender-specific differences in PC composition: in particular, egg-specific proteins (vitellogenin (VTG) and zona pellucida (ZP) were identified only in PCs derived from female plasma, raising the possibility of their roles in AgNP-related reproductive toxicity by promoting their accumulation in developing oocytes.

Nanocube Superlattices of Cesium Lead Bromide Perovskites and Pressure-Induced Phase Transformations at Atomic and Mesoscale Levels

Lead halide perovskites are promising materials for a range of applications owing to their unique crystal structure and optoelectronic properties. Understanding the relationship between the atomic/mesostructures and the associated properties of perovskite materials is crucial to their application performances. Herein, the detailed pressure processing of CsPbBr₃ perovskite nanocube superlattices (NC-SLs) is reported for the first time. By using in situ synchrotron-based small/wide angle X-ray scattering and photoluminescence (PL) probes, the NC-SL structural transformations are correlated at both atomic and mesoscale levels with the band-gap evolution through a pressure cycle of 0 ↔ 17.5 GPa. After the pressurization, the individual CsPbBr₃ NCs fuse into 2D nanoplatelets (NPLs) with a uniform thickness. The pressure-synthesized perovskite NPLs exhibit a single cubic crystal structure, a 1.6-fold enhanced photoluminescence quantum yield, and a longer emission lifetime than the starting NCs. This study demonstrates that pressure processing can serve as a novel approach for the rapid conversion of lead halide perovskites into structures with enhanced properties.

Nanocomposites of Highly Monodisperse Encapsulated Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanocrystals Homogeneously Dispersed in a Poly(ethylene Oxide) Melt

Nanocomposite materials based on highly stable encapsulated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocrystals (SPIONs) were synthesized and characterized by scattering methods and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The combination of advanced synthesis and encapsulation techniques using different diblock copolymers and the thiol-ene click reaction for cross-linking the polymeric shell results in uniform hybrid SPIONs homogeneously dispersed in a poly(ethylene oxide) matrix. Small-angle X-ray scattering and TEM investigations demonstrate the presence of mostly single particles and a negligible amount of dyads. Consequently, an efficient control over the encapsulation and synthetic conditions is of paramount importance to minimize the fraction of agglomerates and to obtain uniform hybrid nanomaterials.

Facile Morphology-Controlled Synthesis of Organolead Iodide Perovskite Nanocrystals Using Binary Capping Agents

Controlling the morphology of organolead halide perovskite crystals is crucial to a fundamental understanding of the materials and to tune their properties for device applications. Here, we report a facile solution-based method for morphology-controlled synthesis of rod-like and plate-like organolead halide perovskite nanocrystals using binary capping agents. The morphology control is likely due to an interplay between surface binding kinetics of the two capping agents at different crystal facets. By high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, we show that the obtained nanocrystals are monocrystalline. Moreover, long photoluminescence decay times of the nanocrystals indicate long charge diffusion lengths and low trap/defect densities. Our results pave the way for large-scale solution synthesis of organolead halide perovskite nanocrystals with controlled morphology for future device applications.

Transferable Memristive Nanoribbons Comprising Solution-Processed Strontium Titanate Nanocubes

Memristors, often comprising an insulating metal oxide film between two metal electrodes (MIM), constitute a class of two-terminal devices that possesses tunable variations in resistance based on the applied bias history. Intense research remains focused on the metal-insulator interface, which serves as the crux of coupled electronic-ionic interactions and dictates the underpinning transport mechanisms at either electrode. Top-down, ultrahigh-vacuum (UVH) deposition approaches for MIM nanostructures yield highly crystalline, heteroepitaxial interfaces but limit the number of electrode configurations due to a fixed bottom electrode. Here we report on the convective self-assembly, removal, and transfer of individual nanoribbons comprising solution-processed, single-crystalline strontium titanate (STO) perovskite oxide nanocrystals to arbitrary metallized substrates. Nanoribbon transferability enables changes in transport models ranging from interfacial trap-detrap to electrochemical metallization processes. We also demonstrate the endurance of memristive behavior, including switching ratios up to 10⁴, after nanoribbon redeposition onto poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) flexible substrates. The combination of ambient, aerobic prepared nanocrystals and convective self-assembly deposition herein provides a pathway for facile, scalable manufacturing of high quality, functional oxide nanostructures on arbitrary surfaces and topologies.

Iron Oxide Surface Chemistry: Effect of Chemical Structure on Binding in Benzoic Acid and Catechol Derivatives

The excellent performance of functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) in nanomaterial and biomedical applications often relies on achieving the attachment of ligands to the iron oxide surface both in sufficient number and with proper orientation. Toward this end, we determine relationships between the ligand chemical structure and surface binding on magnetic IONPs for a series of related benzoic acid and catechol derivatives. Ligand exchange was used to introduce the model ligands, and the resultant nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier transform infrared-attenuated internal reflectance spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nanoparticle solubility behavior. An in-depth analysis of ligand electronic effects and reaction conditions reveals that the nature of ligand binding does not solely depend on the presence of functional groups known to bind to IONPs. The structure of the resultant ligand-surface complex was primarily influenced by the relative positioning of hydroxyl and carboxylic acid groups within the ligand and whether or not HCl(aq) was added to the ligand-exchange reaction. Overall, this study will help guide future ligand-design and ligand-exchange strategies toward realizing truly custom-built IONPs.

Highly Emissive Divalent-Ion-Doped Colloidal CsPb1-xMxBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals through Cation Exchange

Colloidal CsPbX3 (X = Br, Cl, and I) perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have emerged as promising phosphors and solar cell materials due to their remarkable optoelectronic properties. These properties can be tailored by not only controlling the size and shape of the NCs but also postsynthetic composition tuning through topotactic anion exchange. In contrast, property control by cation exchange is still underdeveloped for colloidal CsPbX3 NCs. Here, we present a method that allows partial cation exchange in colloidal CsPbBr3 NCs, whereby Pb2+ is exchanged for several isovalent cations, resulting in doped CsPb1-xMxBr3 NCs (M= Sn2+, Cd2+, and Zn2+; 0 < x ≤ 0.1), with preservation of the original NC shape. The size of the parent NCs is also preserved in the product NCs, apart from a small (few %) contraction of the unit cells upon incorporation of the guest cations. The partial Pb2+ for M2+ exchange leads to a blue-shift of the optical spectra, while maintaining the high photoluminescence quantum yields (>50%), sharp absorption features, and narrow emission of the parent CsPbBr3 NCs. The blue-shift in the optical spectra is attributed to the lattice contraction that accompanies the Pb2+ for M2+ cation exchange and is observed to scale linearly with the lattice contraction. This work opens up new possibilities to engineer the properties of halide perovskite NCs, which to date are demonstrated to be the only known system where cation and anion exchange reactions can be sequentially combined while preserving the original NC shape, resulting in compositionally diverse perovskite NCs.

Hydrophobic Organic Skin as a Protective Shield for Moisture-Sensitive Phosphor-Based Optoelectronic Devices

A moisture-stable, red-emitting fluoride phosphor with an organic hydrophobic skin is reported. A simple strategy was employed to form a metal-free, organic, passivating skin using oleic acid (OA) as a hydrophobic encapsulant via solvothermal treatment. Unlike other phosphor coatings that suffer from initial efficiency loss, the OA-passivated K₂SiF₆:Mn⁴⁺ (KSF-OA) phosphor exhibited the unique property of stable emission efficiency. Control of thickness and a highly transparent passivating layer helped to retain the emission efficiency of the material after encapsulation. A moisture-stable KSF-OA phosphor could be synthesized because of the exceptionally hydrophobic nature of OA and the formation of hydrogen bonds (F···H) resulting from the strong interactions between the fluorine in KSF and hydrogen in OA. The KSF-OA phosphor exhibited excellent moisture stability and maintained 85% of its emission intensity even after 450 h at high temperature (85 °C) and humidity (85%). As a proof-of-concept, this strategy was used for another moisture-sensitive SrSi₂O₂N₂:Eu²⁺ phosphor which showed enhanced moisture stability, retaining 85% of emission intensity after 500 h under the same conditions. White light-emitting devices were fabricated using surface-passivated KSF and Y₃Al₅O₁₂:Ce³⁺ which exhibited excellent color rendering index of 86, under blue LED excitation.

Ellipsoidal Colloids with a Controlled Surface Roughness via Bioinspired Surface Engineering: Building Blocks for Liquid Marbles and Superhydrophobic Surfaces

Understanding the important role of the surface roughness of nano/colloidal particles and harnessing them for practical applications need novel strategies to control the particles' surface topology. Although there are many examples of spherical particles with a specific surface roughness, nonspherical ones with similar surface features are rare. The current work reports a one-step, straightforward, and bioinspired surface engineering strategy to prepare ellipsoidal particles with a controlled surface roughness. By manipulating the unique chemistry inherent to the oxidation-induced self-polymerization of dopamine into polydopamine (PDA), PDA coating of polymeric ellipsoids leads to a library of hybrid ellipsoidal particles (PS@PDA) with a surface that decorates with nanoscale PDA protrusions of various densities and sizes. Together with the advantages originated from the anisotropy of ellipsoids and rich chemistry of PDA, such a surface feature endows these particles with some unique properties. Evaporative drying of fluorinated PS@PDA particles produces a homogeneous coating with superhydrophobicity that arises from the two-scale hierarchal structure of microscale interparticle packing and nanoscale roughness of the constituent ellipsoids. Instead of water repelling that occurs for most of the lotus leaf-like superhydrophobic surfaces, such coating exhibits strong water adhesion that is observed with certain species of rose pedals. In addition, the as-prepared hybrid ellipsoids are very efficient in preparing liquid marble-isolated droplets covered with solid particles. Such liquid marbles can be placed onto many surfaces and might be useful for the controllable transport and manipulation of small volumes of liquids.

Hybrid N-Butylamine-Based Ligands for Switching the Colloidal Solubility and Regimentation of Inorganic-Capped Nanocrystals

We report on a simple and effective technique of tuning the colloidal solubility of inorganic-capped CdSe and CdSe/CdS core/shell nanocrystals (NCs) from highly polar to nonpolar media using n-butylamine molecules. The introduction of the short and volatile organic amine mainly results in a modification of the labile diffusion region of the inorganic-capped NCs, enabling a significant extension of their dispersibility and improving the ability to form long-range assemblies. Moreover, the hybrid n-butylamine/inorganic capping can be thermally decomposed under mild heat treatment, making this approach of surface functionalization well-compatible with a low-temperature, solution-processed device fabrication. Particularly, a field-effect transistor-based on n-butylamine/Ga-I-complex-capped 4.5 nm CdSe NC solids shows excellent transport characteristics with electron mobilities up to 2 cm²/(V·s) and a high current modulation value (>10⁴) at a low operation voltage (<2 V).

Quasi-epitaxial Metal-Halide Perovskite Ligand Shells on PbS Nanocrystals

Epitaxial growth techniques enable nearly defect free heterostructures with coherent interfaces, which are of utmost importance for high performance electronic devices. While high-vacuum technology-based growth techniques are state-of-the art, here we pursue a purely solution processed approach to obtain nanocrystals with eptaxially coherent and quasi-lattice matched inorganic ligand shells. Octahedral metal-halide clusters, respectively 0-dimensional perovskites, were employed as ligands to match the coordination geometry of the PbS cubic rock-salt lattice. Different clusters (CH3NH3+)(6-x)[M(x+)Hal6](6-x)- (Mx+ = Pb(II), Bi(III), Mn(II), In(III), Hal = Cl, I) were attached to the nanocrystal surfaces via a scalable phase transfer procedure. The ligand attachment and coherence of the formed PbS/ligand core/shell interface was confirmed by combining the results from transmission electron microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. The lattice mismatch between ligand shell and nanocrystal core plays a key role in performance. In photoconducting devices the best performance (detectivity of 2 × 1011 cm Hz 1/2/W with > 110 kHz bandwidth) was obtained with (CH3NH3)3BiI6 ligands, providing the smallest relative lattice mismatch of ca. -1%. PbS nanocrystals with such ligands exhibited in millimeter sized bulk samples in the form of pressed pellets a relatively high carrier mobility for nanocrystal solids of ∼1.3 cm2/(V s), a carrier lifetime of ∼70 μs, and a low residual carrier concentration of 2.6 × 1013 cm-3. Thus, by selection of ligands with appropriate geometry and bond lengths optimized quasi-epitaxial ligand shells were formed on nanocrystals, which are beneficial for applications in optoelectronics.

Building devices from colloidal quantum dots

The continued growth of mobile and interactive computing requires devices manufactured with low-cost processes, compatible with large-area and flexible form factors, and with additional functionality. We review recent advances in the design of electronic and optoelectronic devices that use colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs). The properties of materials assembled of QDs may be tailored not only by the atomic composition but also by the size, shape, and surface functionalization of the individual QDs and by the communication among these QDs. The chemical and physical properties of QD surfaces and the interfaces in QD devices are of particular importance, and these enable the solution-based fabrication of low-cost, large-area, flexible, and functional devices. We discuss challenges that must be addressed in the move to solution-processed functional optoelectronic nanomaterials.

Self-Assembled Gold Nanoparticle-Fluorescent Protein Conjugates as Platforms for Sensing Thiolate Compounds via Modulation of Energy Transfer Quenching

The ability of Au and other metal nanostructures to strongly quench the fluorescence of proximal fluorophores (dyes and fluorescent proteins) has made AuNP conjugates attractive for use as platforms for sensor development based on energy transfer interactions. In this study, we first characterize the energy transfer quenching of mCherry fluorescent proteins immobilized on AuNPs via metal-histidine coordination, where parameters such as NP size and number of attached proteins are varied. Using steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence measurements, we recorded very high mCherry quenching, with efficiency reaching ∼95-97%, independent of the NP size or number of bound fluorophores (i.e., conjugate valence). We further exploited these findings to develop a solution phase sensing platform targeting thiolate compounds. Energy transfer (ET) was employed as a transduction mechanism to monitor the competitive displacement of mCherry from the Au surface upon the introduction of varying amounts of thiolates with different size and coordination numbers. Our results show that the competitive displacement of mCherry depends on the thiolate concentration, time of reaction, and type of thiol derivatives used. Further analysis of the PL recovery data provides a measure for the equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd-1) for these compounds. These findings combined indicate that the AuNP-fluorescent protein conjugates may offer a potentially useful platform for thiol sensing both in solution and in cell cultures.

Unravelling the Roles of Size, Ligands, and Pressure in the Piezochromic Properties of CdS Nanocrystals

Understanding the effects of pressure-induced deformations on the optoelectronic properties of nanomaterials is important not only from the fundamental point of view but also for potential applications such as stress sensors and electromechanical devices. Here, we describe the novel insights into these piezochromic effects gained from using a linear-scaling density functional theory framework and an electronic enthalpy scheme, which allow us to accurately characterize the electronic structure of CdS nanocrystals with a zincblende-like core of experimentally relevant size. In particular, we focus on unravelling the complex interplay of size and surface (phenyl) ligands with pressure. We show that pressure-induced deformations are not simple isotropic scaling of the original structures and that the change in HOMO-LUMO gap with pressure results from two competing factors: (i) a bulk-like linear increase due to compression, which is offset by (ii) distortions and disorder and, to a lesser extent, orbital hybridization induced by ligands affecting the frontier orbitals. Moreover, we observe that the main peak in the optical absorption spectra is systematically red-shifted or blue-shifted, as pressure is increased up to 5 GPa, depending on the presence or absence of phenyl ligands. These heavily hybridize the frontier orbitals, causing a reduction in overlap and oscillator strength, so that at zero pressure, the lowest energy transition involves deeper hole orbitals than in the case of hydrogen-capped nanocrystals; the application of pressure induces greater delocalization over the whole nanocrystals bringing the frontier hole orbitals into play and resulting in an unexpected red shift for the phenyl-capped nanocrystals, in part caused by distortions. In response to a growing interest in relatively small nanocrystals that can be difficult to accurately characterize with experimental techniques, this work exemplifies the detailed understanding of structure-property relationships under pressure that can be obtained for realistic nanocrystals with state-of-the-art first-principles methods and used for the characterization and design of devices based on these and similar nanomaterials.

QD-Biopolymer-TSPP Assembly as Efficient BiFRET Sensor for Ratiometric and Visual Detection of Zinc Ion

In this work, we report a new type of quantum dot (QD)-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assembly and its utility for sensing Zn²⁺ in different media. The assembly on the QD scaffold is via first coating of poly(dA) homopolymer/double-stranded DNA, followed by loading of meso-tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphine dihydrochloride (TSPP), both of which are electrostatic, offering the advantages of cost-efficiency and simplicity. More importantly, the biopolymer coating minimizes the interfacial thickness to be ≤2 nm for QD-TSPP FRET, which results in improvements of up to 60-fold for single FRET efficiency and nearly 4-fold for total FRET efficiency of the QD-biopolymer-TSPP assemblies in comparison with silica-coating-based QD-TSPP assemblies. On the basis of Zn²⁺-chelation-induced spectral modulation, dual-emission QD-poly(dA)-TSPP assemblies are developed as a ratiometric Zn²⁺ sensor with increased sensitivity and specificity. The sensor either in solution or on a paper substrate displays continuous color changes from yellow to bright green toward Zn²⁺, exhibiting excellent visualization capability. By utilizing the competitive displacement of Zn²⁺, the sensor is also demonstrated to have good reversibility. Furthermore, the sensor is successfully used to visualize exogenous Zn²⁺ in living cells. Together the QD-biopolymer-TSPP assembly provides an inexpensive, sensitive, and reliable sensing platform not only for on-site analytical applications but also for high-resolution cellular imaging.

Nanosized Building Blocks for Customizing Novel Antibiofilm Approaches

Recent advances in nanotechnology provide unparalleled flexibility to control the composition, size, shape, surface chemistry, and functionality of materials. Currently available engineering approaches allow precise synthesis of nanocompounds (e.g., nanoparticles, nanostructures, nanocrystals) with both top-down and bottom-up design principles at the submicron level. In this context, these "nanoelements" (NEs) or "nanosized building blocks" can 1) generate new nanocomposites with antibiofilm properties or 2) be used to coat existing surfaces (e.g., teeth) and exogenously introduced surfaces (e.g., restorative or implant materials) for prevention of bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. Furthermore, functionalized NEs 3) can be conceived as nanoparticles to carry and selectively release antimicrobial agents after attachment or within oral biofilms, resulting in their disruption. The latter mechanism includes "smart release" of agents when triggered by pathogenic microenvironments (e.g., acidic pH or low oxygen levels) for localized and controlled drug delivery to simultaneously kill bacteria and dismantle the biofilm matrix. Here we discuss inorganic, metallic, polymeric, and carbon-based NEs for their outstanding chemical flexibility, stability, and antibiofilm properties manifested when converted into bioactive materials, assembled on-site or delivered at biofilm-surface interfaces. Details are provided on the emerging concept of the rational design of NEs and recent technological breakthroughs for the development of a new generation of nanocoatings or functional nanoparticles for biofilm control in the oral cavity.

Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells Based on Blends of Conjugated Polymers with II⁻VI and IV⁻VI Inorganic Semiconductor Quantum Dots

Bulk heterojunction solar cells based on blends of quantum dots and conjugated polymers are a promising configuration for obtaining high-efficiency, cheaply fabricated solution-processed photovoltaic devices. Such devices are of significant interest as they have the potential to leverage the advantages of both types of materials, such as the high mobility, band gap tunability and possibility of multiple exciton generation in quantum dots together with the high mechanical flexibility and large molar extinction coefficient of conjugated polymers. Despite these advantages, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of these hybrid devices has remained relatively low at around 6%, well behind that of all-organic or all-inorganic solar cells. This is attributed to major challenges that still need to be overcome before conjugated polymer⁻quantum dot blends can be considered viable for commercial application, such as controlling the film morphology and interfacial structure to ensure efficient charge transfer and charge transport. In this work, we present our findings with respect to the recent development of bulk heterojunctions made from conjugated polymer⁻quantum dot blends, list the ongoing strategies being attempted to improve performance, and highlight the key areas of research that need to be pursued to further develop this technology.

Colloidal quantum-dots surface and device structure engineering for high-performance light-emitting diodes

The application of colloidal quantum dots for light-emitting devices has attracted considerable attention in recent years, due to their unique optical properties such as size-dependent emission wavelength, sharp emission peak and high luminescent quantum yield. Tremendous efforts have been made to explore quantum dots for light-emission applications such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and light converters. The performance of quantum-dots-based light-emitting diodes (QD-LEDs) has been increasing rapidly in recent decades as the development of quantum-dots synthesis, surface-ligand engineering and device-architecture optimization. Recently, the external quantum efficiencies of red quantum-dots LEDs have exceeded 20.5% with good stability and narrow emission peak. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in QD-LEDs, focusing on quantum-dot surface engineering and device-architecture optimization.

Interface control of electronic and optical properties in IV–VI and II–VI core/shell colloidal quantum dots: a review

Core/shell heterostructures provide controlled optical properties, tuneable electronic structure, and chemical stability due to an appropriate interface design.

Stabilizing the cubic perovskite phase of CsPbI3 nanocrystals by using an alkyl phosphinic acid

Phase-stable perovskite CsPbI₃ nanocrystals have been prepared by replacing conventionally used oleic acid with a phosphinic acid in their synthesis.

Assembly and Electronic Applications of Colloidal Nanomaterials

Artificial solids and thin films assembled from colloidal nanomaterials give rise to versatile properties that can be exploited in a range of technologies. In particular, solution-based processes allow for the large-scale and low-cost production of nanoelectronics on rigid or mechanically flexible substrates. To achieve this goal, several processing steps require careful consideration, including nanomaterial synthesis or exfoliation, purification, separation, assembly, hybrid integration, and device testing. Using a ubiquitous electronic device - the field-effect transistor - as a platform, colloidal nanomaterials in three electronic material categories are reviewed systematically: semiconductors, conductors, and dielectrics. The resulting comparative analysis reveals promising opportunities and remaining challenges for colloidal nanomaterials in electronic applications, thereby providing a roadmap for future research and development.

Leveraging Physiology for Precision Drug Delivery

Physiological characteristics of diseases bring about both challenges and opportunities for targeted drug delivery. Various drug delivery platforms have been devised ranging from macro- to micro- and further into the nanoscopic scale in the past decades. Recently, the favorable physicochemical properties of nanomaterials, including long circulation, robust tissue and cell penetration attract broad interest, leading to extensive studies for therapeutic benefits. Accumulated knowledge about the physiological barriers that affect the in vivo fate of nanomedicine has led to more rational guidelines for tailoring the nanocarriers, such as size, shape, charge, and surface ligands. Meanwhile, progresses in material chemistry and molecular pharmaceutics generate a panel of physiological stimuli-responsive modules that are equipped into the formulations to prepare “smart” drug delivery systems. The capability of harnessing physiological traits of diseased tissues to control the accumulation of or drug release from nanomedicine has further improved the controlled drug release profiles with a precise manner. Successful clinical translation of a few nano-formulations has excited the collaborative efforts from the research community, pharmaceutical industry, and the public towards a promising future of smart drug delivery.

Bottom-up engineering of thermoelectric nanomaterials and devices from solution-processed nanoparticle building blocks

Nanoparticle-based bottom-up engineered nanomaterials are extremely appealing for the direct solid-state conversion between heat and electricity.

Ligand density quantification on colloidal inorganic nanoparticles

This review highlights current analytical methods for quantifying nanoparticle surface ligands and fundamental barriers to the accuracy of these techniques.

Colloidal Cu/ZnO catalysts for the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to methanol: investigating catalyst preparation and ligand effects

This paper reports on the influences of the catalyst preparation method and ligand effects for a series of highly active Cu/ZnO colloidal catalysts for the hydrogenation of CO₂ to methanol.

Tetraphenylethylene derivative capped CH3NH3PbBr3 nanocrystals: AIE-activated assembly into superstructures

The surfaces of semiconductor nanocrystals have been known to be a very important factor in determining their optical properties. The introduction of functionalized ligands can further enhance the interactions between nanocrystals, which is beneficial for the assembly of nanocrystals. In a previous report, we developed a ligand-assisted reprecipitation method to fabricate organometal halide perovskite nanocrystals capped with octylamine and oleic acid. Here, a TPE derivative 3-(4-(1,2,2-triphenylvinyl)phenoxy)propan-1-amine, which shows a typical aggregation induced emission feature, is applied to replace octylamine to fabricate CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ nanocrystals. The obtained CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ nanocrystals were nanocubes (average diameter ∼ 11.1 nm) and are likely to assemble into ordered superstructures. By adjusting the chain length of the TPE derivative, we found that the assembly of the CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ nanocrystals was correlated with the interactions between the TPE groups. This provides a new platform to investigate the ligand effects in nanocrystal solids and may potentially achieve enhanced optical and electrical properties.