1
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Zhang J, Liu Y, Liu M, Wang Z, Qi T, Zhang M, Shi H, Song J. Carboxylic acid isomer-directed synthesis of CdS nanocluster isomers. Chem Sci 2024; 15:10585-10591. [PMID: 38994410 PMCID: PMC11234825 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc01569j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Selective synthesis of nanocluster (NC) isomers with tailored structures holds significant importance for enhancing their applications. Here, we develop an effective strategy for the selective synthesis of CdS NC isomers through the judicious choice of a pair of carboxylic acid isomer additives. Specifically, CdS NC-312 and NC-323 (denoted by their UV-vis absorption peak position) could be selectively produced by introducing a conventional mixture of Cd and S precursors, with the addition of 2-methylbutyric acid (2-MA) and 3-methylbutyric acid (3-MA), respectively. The synthesized NC isomers demonstrated a precise isomeric relationship, sharing both the isomeric inorganic core and organic surface. Alternatively, the as-synthesized NCs were interconvertible by re-adding the acid isomers. The density functional theory calculations further support that 2-MA and 3-MA have specific selectivity for producing CdS NC isomers by interfacial tuning. Finally, the generality of this methodology was also evidenced with applications in other CdS NC synthetic systems. This study unveils the intriguing correlation between additive structures and the configuration of NCs, providing a foundation for the selective synthesis of NC isomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- College of Materials and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology Chengdu 610059 P. R. China
| | - Yu Liu
- College of Materials and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology Chengdu 610059 P. R. China
| | - Mingyang Liu
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Zhenzhu Wang
- College of Materials and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology Chengdu 610059 P. R. China
| | - Ting Qi
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University Chengdu 610106 P. R. China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University Shenzhen 518060 P. R. China
| | - Hao Shi
- College of Materials and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology Chengdu 610059 P. R. China
| | - Jun Song
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University Shenzhen 518060 P. R. China
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2
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Hu J, Yang Y, Shen Q, Wang S, Chen X, Luan C, Yu K. Room-Temperature Formation of CdTeSe Magic-Size Clusters from Oleate-Capped CdTe Precursor Compounds via CdSe Monomer Substitution. Inorg Chem 2024; 63:11487-11493. [PMID: 38833379 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.4c01775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
We report the first room-temperature synthesis of ternary CdTeSe magic-size clusters (MSCs) that have mainly the surface ligand oleate (OA). The MSCs display sharp optical absorption peaking at ∼399 nm and are thus referred to as MSC-399. They are made from prenucleation-stage samples of binary CdTe and CdSe, which are prepared by two reactions in 1-octadecene (ODE) of cadmium oleate (Cd(OA)2) and tri-n-octylphosphine chalcogenide (ETOP, E = Te and Se) at 25 °C for 120 min and 80 °C for 15 min, respectively. When the two binary samples are mixed at room temperature and dispersed in a mixture of toluene (Tol) and octylamine (OTA), the CdTeSe MSC-399 develops. Also, when the CdSe sample is added to CdTe MSC-371 in a dispersion, the transformation from CdTe MSC-371 to CdTeSe MSC-399 is seen. We propose that the MSCs develop from their precursor compounds (PCs) that are relatively transparent in optical absorption, such as CdTeSe MSC-399 from CdTeSe PC-399 and CdTe MSC-371 from CdTe PC-371. The formation of CdTeSe PC-399 undergoes monomer substitution and not anion exchange, which is the reaction of CdTe PC-371 and the CdSe monomer to produce CdTeSe PC-399 and the CdTe monomer. Our study provides evidence of monomer substitution for the transformation from binary CdTe to ternary CdTeSe PCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Hu
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Yusha Yang
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Qiu Shen
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Shasha Wang
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoqin Chen
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Chaoran Luan
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Kui Yu
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
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3
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Sun X, Wang S, Wang Z, Shen Q, Chen X, Chen Z, Luan C, Yu K. Lower-Temperature Nucleation and Growth of Colloidal CdTe Quantum Dots Enabled by Prenucleation Clusters with Cd-Te Bond Conservation. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:15587-15595. [PMID: 38783573 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c04593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The reason why heating is required remains elusive for the traditional synthesis of colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) of II-VI metal chalcogenide (ME). Using CdTe as a model system, we show that the formation of Cd-Te covalent bonds with individual Cd- and Te-containing compounds can be decoupled from the nucleation and growth of CdTe QDs. Prepared at an elevated temperature, a prenucleation-stage sample contains clusters that are the precursor compound (PC) of magic-size clusters (MSCs); the Cd-Te bond formation occurs at temperatures higher than 120 °C in the reaction. Afterward, the PC-to-QD transformation appears via monomers at lower temperatures in dispersion. Our findings suggest that the number of Cd-Te bonds broken in the PC reactant is similar to that of Cd-Te bonds formed in the QD product. For the traditional synthesis of ME QDs, heating is responsible for the M-E bond formation rather than for nucleation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xilian Sun
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Shasha Wang
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Qiu Shen
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoqin Chen
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Zifei Chen
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science, School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Chaoran Luan
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Kui Yu
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
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4
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Chen Q, Zhang Y, Chen S, Liu Y, Zhang C, Zhang M, Yu K. Surface-Ligand Tuned Reversible Transformations in Aqueous Environments Between CdSe Magic-Size Clusters and Their Precursor Compounds. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2304277. [PMID: 37806760 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
That magic-size clusters (MSCs) have their counterpart precursor compounds (PCs) has not been generally accepted by expertise circles. Here, experimental evidence to support this new concept is presented. With aqueous-phase CdSe MSCs as a model system, it is shown that when the MSCs are dispersed in water containing a certain amount of L-cysteine (Cys), the MSCs disappear slowly. Upon the addition of CdCl2 , the MSCs recover. It is proposed that after dispersing, the MSCs transform to their quasi-isomeric, non-absorbing PCs upon Cys addition. In the presence of CdCl2 , the PCs transform back to the MSCs due to Cys elimination. The surface ligand Cys of the MSCs plays a significant role in the reversible transformations. The present study provides compelling evidence that absorbing MSCs have their non-absorbing PCs. The study findings suggest that the transformation between two MSCs that display absorption spectral shifts in a stepwise pattern is assisted by their PCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyuan Chen
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Yu Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Shuo Chen
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Yuehui Liu
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Chunchun Zhang
- Analytical and Testing Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Kui Yu
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
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5
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Chen S, Zhang Y, Chen Q, Zhang C, Zhang M, Yu K. Precursor Compound-Assisted Formation of CdS Magic-Size Clusters in Aqueous Solutions. Inorg Chem 2023; 62:18290-18298. [PMID: 37883791 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.3c02980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Investigations of the formation pathway of semiconductor magic-size clusters (MSCs) in aqueous solutions are quite limited. Here, we present our understanding about a precursor compound (PC)-assisted formation pathway of aqueous-phase CdS MSCs exhibiting a characteristic absorption peak at about 360 nm (MSC-360). The reaction uses CdCl2 as the Cd source and thioglycolic acid (TGA) as both the S source and ligand in alkaline aqueous solutions. The mixture remains absorption featureless upon incubation at room temperature but with MSC-360 absorption observed upon adding butylamine. The longer the incubation period of the aqueous solution, the more MSC-360 forms after adding butylamine. We propose that Cd-TGA complexes form first, in which the TGA moieties then decompose partially to form PC of MSC-360 (PC-360) that cannot be observed in the optical absorption spectrum. The resulting PC-360 transforms to MSC-360 via quasi-isomerization in the presence of butylamine. The present study provides an in-depth understanding about the formation of aqueous-phase MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Chen
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Qingyuan Chen
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Chunchun Zhang
- Analytical & Testing Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Kui Yu
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
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6
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Yang Y, Shen Q, Zhang C, Rowell N, Zhang M, Chen X, Luan C, Yu K. Direct and Indirect Pathways of CdTeSe Magic-Size Cluster Isomerization Induced by Surface Ligands at Room Temperature. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2023; 9:519-530. [PMID: 36968545 PMCID: PMC10037450 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.2c01394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The field of isomerization reactions for colloidal semiconductor magic-size clusters (MSCs) remains largely unexplored. Here, we show that MSCs isomerize via two fundamental pathways that are regulated by the acidity and amount of an incoming ligand, with CdTeSe as the model system. When MSC-399 isomerizes to MSC-422 at room temperature, the peak red-shift from 399 to 422 nm is continuous (pathway 1) and/or stepwise (pathway 2) as monitored in situ and in real time by optical absorption spectroscopy. We propose that pathway 1 is direct, with intracluster configuration changes and a relatively large energy barrier. Pathway 2 is indirect, assisted by the MSC precursor compounds (PCs), from MSC-399 to PC-399 to PC-422 to MSC-422. Pathway 1 is activated when PC-422 to MSC-422 is suppressed. Our findings unambiguously suggest that when a change occurs directly on a nanospecies, its absorption peak continuously shifts. The present study provides an in-depth understanding of the transformative behavior of MSCs via ligand-induced isomerization upon external chemical stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusha Yang
- Engineering
Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan
University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Qiu Shen
- Engineering
Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan
University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Chunchun Zhang
- Analytical
& Testing Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Nelson Rowell
- Metrology
Research Centre, National Research Council
Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Meng Zhang
- Institute
of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan
University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoqin Chen
- Engineering
Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan
University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Chaoran Luan
- Laboratory
of Ethnopharmacology, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Kui Yu
- Engineering
Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan
University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
- Institute
of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan
University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
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7
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Mech SA, Ma F, Zeng C. Mapping the reaction zones for CdTe magic-sized clusters and their emission properties. NANOSCALE 2022; 15:114-121. [PMID: 36508267 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr05808a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
CdTe magic-sized clusters (MSCs) are promising building blocks for semiconductor devices because of their single size, consistent properties, and reproducible synthesis. However, the synthetic conditions for CdTe MSCs vary significantly in different reports, which hinders the general understanding of their formation mechanisms. Here, we employed Cd(oleate)2, trioctylphosphine telluride (TOPTe), and oleylamine, which are commonly used for larger quantum dot (QD) synthesis, as standard reaction precursors, and systematically investigated the effects of solvent, phosphine amount, oleylamine amount, Cd : Te ratio, and temperature on the evolution of MSCs with time. These conditions compose the "reaction coordinates" to map out the "reaction zones" for CdTe MSCs and QDs. We found that CdTe MSCs with the first excitonic transition (E1) at 449 nm can be synthesized in high purity with excess TOPTe using toluene as the solvent at 100 °C. Whereas higher temperature, excess of Cd(oleate)2, or more viscous solvent led to the aggregation of 449 nm MSC into larger magic-sized species with E1 at 469 nm as well as QDs with E1 > 500 nm. Increasing phosphine concentration simply enhanced the rate and yield of CdTe MSCs, while a critical amount of oleylamine was required to "turn on" the MSC formation. Interestingly, the pure 449 nm MSCs were non-emissive, but colorful emissions were observed for the reaction mixtures containing both MSCs and QDs. The emissions could be attributed to a small amount of QDs formed during the reaction. The mapping of reaction zones is a crucial step towards the rational synthesis of CdTe MSCs and further understanding of their formation mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saryvoudh A Mech
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
| | - Fuyan Ma
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
| | - Chenjie Zeng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
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8
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Yang Y, Li Y, Luan C, Rowell N, Wang S, Zhang C, Huang W, Chen X, Yu K. Transformation Pathways in Colloidal CdTeSe Magic‐Size Clusters. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202114551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yusha Yang
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan 610065 P. R. China
| | - Yang Li
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan 610065 P. R. China
| | - Chaoran Luan
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology West China School of Medicine West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan 610065 P. R. China
| | - Nelson Rowell
- Metrology Research Centre National Research Council Canada Ontario K1A 0R6 Canada
| | - Shanling Wang
- Analytical & Testing Center Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan 610065 P. R. China
| | - Chunchun Zhang
- Analytical & Testing Center Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan 610065 P. R. China
| | - Wen Huang
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology West China School of Medicine West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan 610065 P. R. China
| | - Xiaoqin Chen
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan 610065 P. R. China
| | - Kui Yu
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan 610065 P. R. China
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan 610065 P. R. China
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9
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Li Y, Rowell N, Luan C, Zhang M, Chen X, Yu K. A Two-Pathway Model for the Evolution of Colloidal Compound Semiconductor Quantum Dots and Magic-Size Clusters. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2107940. [PMID: 35119147 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202107940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A fundamental understanding of formation pathways is critical to the controlled synthesis of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals. As ultrasmall-size quantum dots (QDs) sometimes emerge in reactions along with magic-size clusters (MSCs), distinguishing their individual pathway of evolution is important, but has proven difficult. To decouple the evolution of QDs and MSCs, an unconventional, selective approach has been developed, along with a two-pathway model that provides a fundamental understanding of production selectivity. For on-demand production of either ultrasmall QDs or MSCs, the key enabler is in how to allow a reaction to proceed in the time prior to nucleation and growth of QDs. In this prenucleation stage, an intermediate compound forms, which is the precursor compound (PC) to the MSC. Here, the two-pathway model and the manipulation of such PCs to synthesize either ultrasmall QDs or binary and ternary MSCs are highlighted. The two-pathway model will assist the development of nucleation theory as well as provide a basis for a mechanism-enabled design and predictive synthesis of functional nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan 610065 P. R. China
| | - Nelson Rowell
- Metrology Research Centre National Research Council Canada Ottawa Ontario K1A 0R6 Canada
| | - Chaoran Luan
- Department of Ophthalmology West China School of Medicine West China Hospital, Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan 610065 P. R. China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan 610065 P. R. China
| | - Xiaoqin Chen
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan 610065 P. R. China
| | - Kui Yu
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan 610065 P. R. China
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan 610065 P. R. China
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10
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Busatto S, de Mello Donega C. Magic-Size Semiconductor Nanostructures: Where Does the Magic Come from? ACS MATERIALS AU 2022; 2:237-249. [PMID: 35578704 PMCID: PMC9100663 DOI: 10.1021/acsmaterialsau.1c00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The quest for atomically precise synthesis of colloidal semiconductor nanostructures has attracted increasing attention in recent years and remains a formidable challenge. Nevertheless, atomically precise clusters of semiconductors, known as magic-size clusters (MSCs), are readily accessible. Ultrathin one-dimensional nanowires and two-dimensional nanoplatelets and nanosheets can also be categorized as magic-size nanocrystals (MSNCs). Further, the magic-size growth regime has been recently extended into the size range of colloidal QDs (up to 3.5 nm). Nevertheless, the underlying reasons for the enhanced stability of magic-size nanostructures and their formation mechanisms remain obscure. In this Perspective, we address these intriguing questions by critically analyzing the currently available knowledge on the formation and stability of both MSCs and MSNCs (0D, 1D, and 2D). We conclude that research on magic-size colloidal nanostructures is still in its infancy, and many fundamental questions remain unanswered. Nonetheless, we identify several correlations between the formation of MSCs and 0D, 1D and 2D MSNSs. From our analysis, it appears that the "magic" originates from the complexity of a dynamic and multivariate system running under reaction control. Under conditions that impose a prohibitively high energy barrier for classical nucleation and growth, the reaction proceeds through a complex and dynamic potential landscape, searching for the pathway with the lowest energy barrier, thereby sequentially forming metastable products as it jumps from one local minimum to the next until it eventually becomes trapped into a minimum that is too deep with respect to the available thermal energy. The intricacies of this complex interplay between several synergistic and antagonistic processes are, however, not yet understood and should be further investigated by carefully designed experiments combining multiple complementary in situ characterization techniques.
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11
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Yang Y, Li Y, Luan C, Rowell N, Wang S, Zhang C, Huang W, Chen X, Yu K. Transformation Pathways in Colloidal CdTeSe Magic-Size Clusters. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 61:e202114551. [PMID: 34842312 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202114551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A rarely studied transformation in colloidal ternary magic-size clusters (MSCs) is addressed. We report the first observation of the transformation from ternary CdTeSe MSC-399 to MSC-422, which occurs at room temperature. These two MSC types display sharp optical absorption resonances at 399 and 422 nm, respectively, and are related in that they are quasi isomers, together with their counterpart precursor compounds (PCs). Binary CdTe and CdSe samples were prepared in the prenucleation stage also called the induction period (IP). After they were mixed and placed in a mixture of toluene and octylamine, the transformation was found to take place and to be assisted by the addition of the CdSe IP sample. A binary IP sample contains corresponding binary PCs and monomers (Mo) and fragments (Fr). We argue that the transformation pathway is enabled by the corresponding ternary PCs, involving the substitution reaction, namely CdTeSe PC-399 + CdSe (Mo/Fr)-1 ⇒ CdTeSe PC-422 + CdSe (Mo/Fr)-2. The present study provides an in-depth understanding of the formation characteristics of the MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusha Yang
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Yang Li
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Chaoran Luan
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Nelson Rowell
- Metrology Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Ontario, K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Shanling Wang
- Analytical & Testing Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Chunchun Zhang
- Analytical & Testing Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Wen Huang
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoqin Chen
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Kui Yu
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, P. R. China.,Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, P. R. China
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12
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Liu M, Zhu Y, Wang X, Jiang G, Luan C, Yu K. Absorption Features of CdTe Nanoclusters: Aspect Ratio Dependency of the Singlet/Doublet from First-Principles Calculations. THE JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.1c07005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mei Liu
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, 610065 Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Yongcheng Zhu
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, 610065 Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, 610065 Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Gang Jiang
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, 610065 Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Chaoran Luan
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610065 Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Kui Yu
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, 610065 Sichuan, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, 610065 Sichuan, P. R. China
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13
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Zhu J, Cao Z, Zhu Y, Rowell N, Li Y, Wang S, Zhang C, Jiang G, Zhang M, Zeng J, Yu K. Transformation Pathway from CdSe Magic‐Size Clusters with Absorption Doublets at 373/393 nm to Clusters at 434/460 nm. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202104986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jinming Zhu
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan 610065 P. R. China
| | - Zhaopeng Cao
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201800 P. R. China
- School of Physical Science and Technology ShanghaiTech University Shanghai 201210 P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 P. R. China
| | - Yongcheng Zhu
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan 610065 P. R. China
| | - Nelson Rowell
- Metrology Research Centre National Research Council Canada Ottawa Ontario K1A 0R6 Canada
| | - Yan Li
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201800 P. R. China
- School of Physical Science and Technology ShanghaiTech University Shanghai 201210 P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 P. R. China
| | - Shanling Wang
- Analytical & Testing Center Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan 610065 P. R. China
| | - Chunchun Zhang
- Analytical & Testing Center Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan 610065 P. R. China
| | - Gang Jiang
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan 610065 P. R. China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan 610065 P. R. China
| | - Jianrong Zeng
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201800 P. R. China
- Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility Shanghai Advanced Research Institute Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201204 P. R. China
| | - Kui Yu
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan 610065 P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan 610065 P. R. China
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14
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Zhu J, Cao Z, Zhu Y, Rowell N, Li Y, Wang S, Zhang C, Jiang G, Zhang M, Zeng J, Yu K. Transformation Pathway from CdSe Magic-Size Clusters with Absorption Doublets at 373/393 nm to Clusters at 434/460 nm. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:20358-20365. [PMID: 33960093 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202104986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Divergent interpretations have appeared in the literature regarding the structural nature and evolutionary behavior for photoluminescent CdSe nanospecies with sharp doublets in optical absorption. We report a comprehensive description of the transformation pathway from one CdSe nanospecies displaying an absorption doublet at 373/393 nm to another species with a doublet at 433/460 nm. These two nanospecies are zero-dimensional (0D) magic-size clusters (MSCs) with 3D quantum confinement, and are labeled dMSC-393 and dMSC-460, respectively. Synchrotron-based small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) returns a radius of gyration of 0.92 nm for dMSC-393 and 1.14 nm for dMSC-460, and indicates that both types are disc shaped with the exponent of the SAXS form factor equal to 2.1. The MSCs develop from their unique counterpart precursor compounds (PCs), which are labeled PC-393 and PC-460, respectively. For the dMSC-393 to dMSC-460 transformation, the proposed PC-enabled pathway is comprised of three key steps, dMSC-393 to PC-393 (Step 1), PC-393 to PC-460 (Step 2 involving monomer addition), and PC-460 to dMSC-460 (Step 3). The present study provides a framework for understanding the PC-based evolution of MSCs and how PCs enable transformations between MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinming Zhu
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Zhaopeng Cao
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, P. R. China.,School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yongcheng Zhu
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Nelson Rowell
- Metrology Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Yan Li
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, P. R. China.,School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Shanling Wang
- Analytical & Testing Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Chunchun Zhang
- Analytical & Testing Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Gang Jiang
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Jianrong Zeng
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, P. R. China.,Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201204, P. R. China
| | - Kui Yu
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, P. R. China.,Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, P. R. China
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15
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Wang Z, Wang T, Zhang C, Zhang M, Chen X, Fan H, Huang W, Luan C, Yu K. Evolution of Two Types of ZnTe Magic-Size Clusters Displaying Sharp Doublets in Optical Absorption. JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2021; 12:4762-4768. [PMID: 33983032 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c00856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The two-pathway model proposed for colloidal semiconductor metal chalcogenide (ME) quantum dots (QDs) and magic-size clusters (MSCs) is demonstrated for ZnTe. Two new types of ZnTe MSCs have been found, which exhibit sharp optical absorption doublets peaking at 356/389 and 389/420 nm. Labeled dMSC-389 and dMSC-420, respectively, they were produced from reaction mixtures in 1-octadecene (ODE) of zinc oleate (Zn(OA)2), tri-n-octylphosphine telluride (TeTOP), diphenylphosphine (HPPh2), and acetic acid (HOAc, CH3COOH). The collective use of HOAc and HPPh2 enabled the exclusive production of dMSC-389 and dMSC-420 from reaction mixtures that had high Zn-to-Te feed molar ratios and a high Te feed concentration of 60 mmol/kg. The present findings demonstrate the utility of HOAc in synthesizing MSCs displaying a sharp absorption doublet, as well as of a secondary phosphine that decreases the temperature at which the M-E covalent bonds form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Tinghui Wang
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Chunchun Zhang
- Analytical and Testing Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoqin Chen
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Hongsong Fan
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Wen Huang
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, West China School of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Chaoran Luan
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, West China School of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Kui Yu
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 Sichuan, P. R. China.,Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 Sichuan, P. R. China
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