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Wu L, Li Y, Liu GQ, Yu SH. Polytypic metal chalcogenide nanocrystals. Chem Soc Rev 2024. [PMID: 39212091 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs01095c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
By engineering chemically identical but structurally distinct materials into intricate and sophisticated polytypic nanostructures, which often surpass their pure phase objects and even produce novel physical and chemical properties, exciting applications in the fields of photovoltaics, electronics and photocatalysis can be achieved. In recent decades, various methods have been developed for synthesizing a library of polytypic nanocrystals encompassing IV, III-V and II-VI polytypic semiconductors. The exceptional performances of polytypic metal chalcogenide nanocrystals have been observed, making them highly promising candidates for applications in photonics and electronics. However, achieving high-precision control over the morphology, composition, crystal structure, size, homojunctions, and periodicity of polytypic metal chalcogenide nanostructures remains a significant synthetic challenge. This review article offers a comprehensive overview of recent progress in the synthesis and control of polytypic metal chalcogenide nanocrystals using colloidal synthetic strategies. Starting from a concise introduction on the crystal structures of metal chalcogenides, the subsequent discussion delves into the colloidal synthesis of polytypic metal chalcogenide nanocrystals, followed by an in-depth exploration of the key factors governing polytypic structure construction. Subsequently, we provide comprehensive insights into the physical properties of polytypic metal chalcogenide nanocrystals, which exhibit strong correlations with their applications. Thereafter, we emphasize the significance of polytypic nanostructures in various applications, such as photovoltaics, photocatalysis, transistors, thermoelectrics, stress sensors, and the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Finally, we present a summary of the recent advancements in this research field and provide insightful perspectives on the forthcoming challenges, opportunities, and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Wu
- Department of Chemistry, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Institute of Biomimetic Materials & Chemistry, Division of Nanomaterials & Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Chemistry, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Institute of Biomimetic Materials & Chemistry, Division of Nanomaterials & Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
| | - Guo-Qiang Liu
- Department of Chemistry, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Institute of Biomimetic Materials & Chemistry, Division of Nanomaterials & Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
| | - Shu-Hong Yu
- Department of Chemistry, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Institute of Biomimetic Materials & Chemistry, Division of Nanomaterials & Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Innovative Materials, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology of China, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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2
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Wang S, Zhao G, Zeng Y, Lin H, Lin B, Pan M. Dynamically crosslinked chiral optics sensing for ultra-sensitive VOCs detection. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 361:142530. [PMID: 38851511 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Chiroptical sensing with real-time colorimetrical detection has been emerged as quantifiable properties, enantioselective responsiveness, and optical manipulation in environmental monitoring, food safety and other trace identification fields. However, the sensitivity of chiroptical sensing materials remains an immense challenge. Here, we report a dynamically crosslinking strategy to facilitate highly sensitive chiroptical sensing material. Chiral nematic cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were co-assembled with amino acid by a two-step esterification, of which a precisely tunable helical pitch, a unique spiral conformation with hierarchical and numerous active sites in sensing performance could be trigged by dynamic covalent bond on amines. Such a CNC/amino acid chiral optics features an ultra-trace amount of 0.08 mg/m3 and a high sensitivity of 60 nm/(mg/m3) for formaldehyde gas at a molecule level detection, which is due to the three synergistic adsorption enhancement of dynamic covalent bonded interaction, hydrogen bonded interaction and van der Waals interaction. Meanwhile, an enhancement hierarchical adsorption of CNC/amino acid chiral materials can be readily representative to the precise helical pitch and colorimetrical switch for sensitive visualization reorganization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaiqi Wang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Guomin Zhao
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Yihan Zeng
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Haifeng Lin
- College of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Bingqun Lin
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Mingzhu Pan
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China.
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3
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Xing X, Cheng W, Zhou S, Liu H, Wu Z. Recent advances in small-angle scattering techniques for MOF colloidal materials. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 329:103162. [PMID: 38761601 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2024.103162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
This paper reviews the recent progress of small angle scattering (SAS) techniques, mainly including X-ray small angle scattering technique (SAXS) and neutron small angle scattering (SANS) technique, in the study of metal-organic framework (MOF) colloidal materials (CMOFs). First, we introduce the application research of SAXS technique in pristine MOFs materials, and review the studies on synthesis mechanism of MOF materials, the pore structures and fractal characteristics, as well as the spatial distribution and morphological evolution of foreign molecules in MOF composites and MOF-derived materials. Then, the applications of SANS technique in MOFs are summarized, with emphasis on SANS data processing method, structure modeling and quantitative structural information extraction. Finally, the characteristics and developments of SAS techniques are commented and prospected. It can be found that most studies on MOF materials with SAS techniques focus mainly on nanoporous structure characterization and the evolution of pore structures, or the spatial distribution of other foreign molecules loaded in MOFs. Indeed, SAS techniques take an irreplaceable role in revealing the structure and evolution of nanopores in CMOFs. We expect that this paper will help to understand the research status of SAS techniques on MOF materials and better to apply SAS techniques to conduct further research on MOF and related materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqing Xing
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Weidong Cheng
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, New Energy Storage Devices Research Laboratory, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Shuming Zhou
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Huanyan Liu
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; College of Materials Science and Engineering, New Energy Storage Devices Research Laboratory, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Zhonghua Wu
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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4
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Zhang J, Song P, Zhu Z, Li Y, Liu G, Henderson MJ, Li J, Wang W, Tian Q, Li N. Evaporation-induced self-assembly of Janus pyramid molecules from fractal network to core-shell nanoclusters evidenced by small-angle X-ray scattering. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 674:437-444. [PMID: 38941936 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.06.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Self-assembly of nanoclusters (NCs) is an effective synthetic method for preparing functionalized nanomaterials. However, the assembly process and mechanisms in solutions still remain ambiguous owing to the limited strategies to monitor intermediate assembled states. Herein, the self-assembly process of amphiphilic molecule 4POSS-DL-POM (consisting of four polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes, a dendritic linker, and one polyoxometalate) by evaporation of acetone in a mixed acetone/n-decane solution is monitored by time-resolved synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Scattering data assessments, including Kratky analysis, pair distance distribution function, and model fitting, track the self-assembly process of 4POSS-DL-POM from a fractal network to compact NCs, then to core-shell NCs, and finally to superlattice structure. The calculated average aggregation number of a core-shell NC is 11 according to the parameters obtained from core-shell model fitting, in agreement with electron microscopy. The fundamental understanding of the self-assembly dynamics from heterocluster into NCs provides principles to control building block shape and guide target aggregation, which can further promote the design and construction of highly ordered cluster-assembled functional nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqiao Zhang
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai 201210, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Panqi Song
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zhongjie Zhu
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yiwen Li
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Guangfeng Liu
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Mark Julian Henderson
- State Key Laboratory of Environment-friendly Energy Materials, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China
| | - Jixiang Li
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai 201210, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Centre for Synthetic Soft Materials, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education and Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Qiang Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Environment-friendly Energy Materials, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China.
| | - Na Li
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai 201210, China.
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McKeever H, Patil NN, Palabathuni M, Singh S. Functional Alkali Metal-Based Ternary Chalcogenides: Design, Properties, and Opportunities. CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS : A PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2023; 35:9833-9846. [PMID: 38107194 PMCID: PMC10720346 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c01652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The search for novel materials has recently brought research attention to alkali metal-based chalcogenides (ABZ) as a new class of semiconducting inorganic materials. Various theoretical and computational studies have highlighted many compositions of this class as ideal functional materials for application in energy conversion and storage devices. This Perspective discusses the expansive compositional landscape of ABZ compositions that inherently gives a wide spectrum of properties with great potential for application. In the present paper, we examine the technique of synthesizing this particular class of materials and explore their potential for compositional engineering in order to manipulate key functional properties. This study presents the notable findings that have been documented thus far in addition to outlining the potential avenues for implementation and the associated challenges they present. By fulfilling the sustainability requirements of being relativity earth-abundant, environmentally benign, and biocompatible, we anticipate a promising future for alkali metal chalcogenides. Through this Perspective, we aim to inspire continued research on this emerging class of materials, thereby enabling forthcoming breakthroughs in the realms of photovoltaics, thermoelectrics, and energy storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah McKeever
- Department of Chemical
Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Niraj Nitish Patil
- Department of Chemical
Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Manoj Palabathuni
- Department of Chemical
Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Shalini Singh
- Department of Chemical
Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
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6
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Tang L, Zhang C, Liao C, Liu Y, Cheng Y. In Situ Sintering of CdSe/CdS Nanocrystals under Electron Beam Irradiation. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:3082. [PMID: 38132980 PMCID: PMC10745287 DOI: 10.3390/nano13243082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals have attracted widespread attention due to their tremendous electrical and optical properties. Nanoparticles exhibit a strong tendency to aggregate and sinter in a short period of time during processing or use due to their large surface area-to-volume ratio, which may lead to significant changes in their required performance. Therefore, it is of great significance to conduct in-depth research on the sintering process and mechanism of nanoparticles to maintain their stability. Here, the sintering process of CdSe/CdS core/shell nanocrystals under continuous electron beam irradiation was studied using in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In the early stages of sintering, CdSe/CdS nanocrystals approached each other at a distance of approximately 1-2 nm. As the exposure time to the electron beam increased, the movement of surface atoms on the nanocrystals led to contact between them. Subsequently, the atoms on the contact surfaces underwent rapid motion, resulting in the rapid formation of the neck between the particles. The neck formation between adjacent particles provides strong evidence of a sintering mechanism dominated by surface atom diffusion rather than Ostwald ripening. Further research in this area could lead to the development of improved methods to prevent sintering and enhance the stability of nanocrystals, ultimately contributing to the advancement of nanomaterial-based devices and materials with long-lasting performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luping Tang
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- SEU-FEI Nano-Pico Center, Key Lab of MEMS of Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Chun Zhang
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Chen Liao
- College of Electronic and Optical Engineering & College of Flexible Electronics (Future Technology), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yiwei Liu
- College of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Yonghao Cheng
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
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7
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Kapuria N, Nan B, Adegoke TE, Bangert U, Cabot A, Singh S, Ryan KM. Colloidal Synthesis of Multinary Alkali-Metal Chalcogenides Containing Bi and Sb: An Emerging Class of I-V-VI 2 Nanocrystals with Tunable Composition and Interesting Properties. CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS : A PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2023; 35:4810-4820. [PMID: 37396682 PMCID: PMC10308588 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c00673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
The growth mechanism and synthetic controls for colloidal multinary metal chalcogenide nanocrystals (NCs) involving alkali metals and the pnictogen metals Sb and Bi are unknown. Sb and Bi are prone to form metallic nanocrystals that stay as impurities in the final product. Herein, we synthesize colloidal NaBi1-xSbxSe2-ySy NCs using amine-thiol-Se chemistry. We find that ternary NaBiSe2 NCs initiate with Bi0 nuclei and an amorphous intermediate nanoparticle formation that gradually transforms into NaBiSe2 upon Se addition. Furthermore, we extend our methods to substitute Sb in place of Bi and S in place of Se. Our findings show the initial quasi-cubic morphology transforms into a spherical shape upon increased Sb substitution, and the S incorporation promotes elongation along the <111> direction. We further investigate the thermoelectric transport properties of the Sb-substituted material displaying very low thermal conductivity and n-type transport behavior. Notably, the NaBi0.75Sb0.25Se2 material exhibits an ultralow thermal conductivity of 0.25 W·m-1·K-1 at 596 K with an average thermal conductivity of 0.35 W·m-1·K-1 between 358 and 596 K and a ZTmax of 0.24.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilotpal Kapuria
- Department
of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Bingfei Nan
- Catalonia
Institute for Energy Research -IREC, 08930 Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Temilade Esther Adegoke
- Department
of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Ursel Bangert
- Department
of Physics and Energy and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Andreu Cabot
- Catalonia
Institute for Energy Research -IREC, 08930 Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Shalini Singh
- Department
of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Kevin M. Ryan
- Department
of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94T9PX Limerick, Ireland
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8
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Schwartz G, Hananel U, Markovich G. Circularly polarized and total luminescence as probes of nucleation and growth in chiral nanocrystals. Chirality 2023; 35:104-109. [PMID: 36477935 PMCID: PMC10108007 DOI: 10.1002/chir.23523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nucleation of crystals as well as their growth is difficult to study experimentally. We have recently demonstrated that chiral Eu3+ -doped terbium phosphate nanocrystals are an interesting system for studying nanocrystal formation mechanisms and chiral symmetry breaking, occurring during their formation, directed by chiral ligands, such as tartaric acid. In this paper, we show how simultaneous, in situ monitoring of both total emission intensity and circularly polarized luminescence magnitude and sign versus time during nanocrystal formation provides considerable information on the mechanisms of nanocrystal nucleation and growth. Specifically, we show that the presence of tartaric acid leads to the formation of chiral prenucleation clusters, which deterministically transform into nanocrystals of a specific handedness. Additionally, we demonstrate that both unseeded and seeded nanocrystal syntheses behave differently mechanistically and that the addition of seed nanocrystals catalyses both enantio-specific (also called secondary nucleation) as well as nonspecific nucleation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gal Schwartz
- School of ChemistryTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Uri Hananel
- School of ChemistryTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Gil Markovich
- School of ChemistryTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
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9
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Dzhagan V, Litvinchuk AP, Valakh MY, Zahn DRT. Phonon Raman spectroscopy of nanocrystalline multinary chalcogenides as a probe of complex lattice structures. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2022; 35:103001. [PMID: 36575889 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/acaa18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Ternary (I-III-VI) and quaternary (I-II-IV-VI) metal-chalcogenides like CuInS2or Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4are among the materials currently most intensively investigated for various applications in the area of alternative energy conversion and light-emitting devices. They promise more sustainable and affordable solutions to numerous applications, compared to more developed and well understood II-VI and III-V semiconductors. Potentially superior properties are based on an unprecedented tolerance of these compounds to non-stoichiometric compositions and polymorphism. However, if not properly controlled, these merits lead to undesirable coexistence of different compounds in a single polycrystalline lattice and huge concentrations of point defects, becoming an immense hurdle on the way toward real-life applications. Raman spectroscopy of phonons has become one of the most powerful tools of structural diagnostics and probing physical properties of bulk and microcrystalline I-III-VI and I-II-IV-VI compounds. The recent explosive growth of the number of reports on fabrication and characterization of nanostructures of these compounds must be pointed out as well as the steady use of Raman spectroscopy for their characterization. Interpretation of the vibrational spectra of these compound nanocrystals (NCs) and conclusions about their structure can be complicated compared to bulk counterparts because of size and surface effects as well as emergence of new structural polymorphs that are not realizable in the bulk. This review attempts to summarize the present knowledge in the field of I-III-VI and I-II-IV-VI NCs regarding their phonon spectra and capabilities of Raman and IR spectroscopies in the structural characterizations of these promising families of compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volodymyr Dzhagan
- V. Lashkaryov Institute of Semiconductors Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 03038 Kyiv, Ukraine
- Physics Department, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, 60 Volodymyrs'ka str., 01601 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Alexander P Litvinchuk
- Texas Center for Superconductivity and Department of Physics, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-5002, United States of America
| | - Mykhailo Ya Valakh
- V. Lashkaryov Institute of Semiconductors Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 03038 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Dietrich R T Zahn
- Semiconductor Physics, Chemnitz University of Technology, D-09107 Chemnitz, Germany
- Center for Materials, Architectures, and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN), Chemnitz University of Technology, D-09107 Chemnitz, Germany
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10
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Zubair M, Lebedev VA, Mishra M, Adegoke TE, Amiinu IS, Zhang Y, Cabot A, Singh S, Ryan KM. Precursor-Mediated Colloidal Synthesis of Compositionally Tunable Cu-Sb-M-S (M = Zn, Co, and Ni) Nanocrystals and Their Transport Properties. CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS : A PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2022; 34:10528-10537. [PMID: 36530939 PMCID: PMC9753559 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.2c02605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The solution-based colloidal synthesis of multinary semiconductor compositions has allowed the design of new inorganic materials impacting a large variety of applications. Yet there are certain compositions that have remained elusive-particularly quaternary structures of transition metal-based (e.g., Co, Zn, Ni, Fe, Mn, and Cr) copper antimony chalcogenides. These are widely sought for tuning the electrical and thermal conductivity as a function of the size, composition, and crystal phase. In this work, a facile hot injection approach for the synthesis of three different tetrahedrite-substituted nanocrystals (NCs) (Cu10Zn2Sb4S13, Cu10Co2Sb4S13, and Cu10Ni1.5Sb4S13) and their growth mechanisms are investigated. We reveal that the interplay between the Zn, Ni, and Co precursors on the basis of thiophilicity is key to obtaining pure phase NCs with controlled size and shape. While all of the synthesized crystal phases display outstanding low thermal conductivity, the Cu10.5Sb4Ni1.5S13 system shows the most enhanced electrical conductivity compared to Cu10Zn2Sb4S13 and Cu10Co2Sb4S13. This study highlights an effective synthesis strategy for the growth of complex quaternary nanocrystals and their high potential for application in thermoelectrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Zubair
- Department
of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Vasily A. Lebedev
- Department
of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Mohini Mishra
- Department
of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Temilade Esther Adegoke
- Department
of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Ibrahim Saana Amiinu
- Department
of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Yu Zhang
- Catalonia
Institute for Energy Research (IREC), 08930 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andreu Cabot
- Catalonia
Institute for Energy Research (IREC), 08930 Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan
Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Passeig de Lluís Companys
23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Shalini Singh
- Department
of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Kevin M. Ryan
- Department
of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
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11
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Eckelt F, Rothweiler P, Braun F, Voss L, Šarić A, Vrankić M, Lützenkirchen-Hecht D. In Situ Observation of ZnO Nanoparticle Formation by a Combination of Time-Resolved X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:8186. [PMID: 36431670 PMCID: PMC9699227 DOI: 10.3390/ma15228186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The formation of ZnO nanomaterials from different Zn acetylacetonate precursor solutions was studied in situ by employing simultaneous, time-resolved X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (EXAFS) at the Zn K-edge. The precursor solutions were heated from room temperature to the desired reaction temperatures in a hermetically sealed cell dedicated to X-ray experiments. In general, the first indications for the formation of hexagonal ZnO were found for elevated temperatures of about 80 °C both by XRD and EXAFS, and the contributions increase with temperature and time. However, no reaction intermediates could be proved in addition to the Zn precursors and the formed hexagonal ZnO materials. Furthermore, the results show that the efficiency of the reaction, i.e., the conversion of the precursor material to the ZnO product, strongly depends on the solvent used and the reaction temperature. ZnO formation is accelerated by an increased temperature of 165 °C and the use of 1-octanol, with a conversion to ZnO of more than 80% after only a ca. 35 min reaction time according to a detailed analysis of the EXAFS data. For comparison, an identical concentration of Zn acetylacetonate in water or dilute alkaline NaOH solutions and a reaction temperature of around 90 °C leads to a smaller conversion of approximately 50% only, even after several hours of reaction. The particle size determined from XRD for different orientations shows a preferred orientation along the c-direction of the hexagonal crystal system, as well in accordance with scanning electron microscopy. The LaMer model explained this highly non-uniform growth of needle-like ZnO crystallites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Eckelt
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gauss-Str. 20, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Patrick Rothweiler
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gauss-Str. 20, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Frederic Braun
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gauss-Str. 20, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Lukas Voss
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gauss-Str. 20, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Ankica Šarić
- Centre of Excellence for Advanced Materials and Sensing Devices, Division of Materials Physics, Ruđer Bošković Institute, HR-10002 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martina Vrankić
- Centre of Excellence for Advanced Materials and Sensing Devices, Division of Materials Physics, Ruđer Bošković Institute, HR-10002 Zagreb, Croatia
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12
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Osouli-Bostanabad K, Puliga S, Serrano DR, Bucchi A, Halbert G, Lalatsa A. Microfluidic Manufacture of Lipid-Based Nanomedicines. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091940. [PMID: 36145688 PMCID: PMC9506151 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticulate technologies have revolutionized drug delivery allowing for passive and active targeting, altered biodistribution, controlled drug release (temporospatial or triggered), enhanced stability, improved solubilization capacity, and a reduction in dose and adverse effects. However, their manufacture remains immature, and challenges exist on an industrial scale due to high batch-to-batch variability hindering their clinical translation. Lipid-based nanomedicines remain the most widely approved nanomedicines, and their current manufacturing methods remain discontinuous and face several problems such as high batch-to-batch variability affecting the critical quality attributes (CQAs) of the product, laborious multistep processes, need for an expert workforce, and not being easily amenable to industrial scale-up involving typically a complex process control. Several techniques have emerged in recent years for nanomedicine manufacture, but a paradigm shift occurred when microfluidic strategies able to mix fluids in channels with dimensions of tens of micrometers and small volumes of liquid reagents in a highly controlled manner to form nanoparticles with tunable and reproducible structure were employed. In this review, we summarize the recent advancements in the manufacturing of lipid-based nanomedicines using microfluidics with particular emphasis on the parameters that govern the control of CQAs of final nanomedicines. The impact of microfluidic environments on formation dynamics of nanomaterials, and the application of microdevices as platforms for nanomaterial screening are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Osouli-Bostanabad
- Biomaterials, Bio-Engineering and Nanomedicine (BioN) Lab, Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Robertson Wing, University of Strathclyde, 161, Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Sara Puliga
- Biomaterials, Bio-Engineering and Nanomedicine (BioN) Lab, Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK
| | - Dolores R. Serrano
- Pharmaceutics and Food Technology Department, School of Pharmacy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Farmacia, Instituto Universitario de Farmacia Industrial, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (D.R.S.); (A.L.); Tel.: +44-141-548-2675 (A.L.)
| | - Andrea Bucchi
- School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 3DJ, UK
| | - Gavin Halbert
- CRUK Formulation Unit, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Robertson Wing, University of Strathclyde, 161, Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Aikaterini Lalatsa
- Biomaterials, Bio-Engineering and Nanomedicine (BioN) Lab, Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Robertson Wing, University of Strathclyde, 161, Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
- CRUK Formulation Unit, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Robertson Wing, University of Strathclyde, 161, Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
- Correspondence: (D.R.S.); (A.L.); Tel.: +44-141-548-2675 (A.L.)
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13
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Kapuria N, Conroy M, Lebedev VA, Adegoke TE, Zhang Y, Amiinu IS, Bangert U, Cabot A, Singh S, Ryan KM. Subsuming the Metal Seed to Transform Binary Metal Chalcogenide Nanocrystals into Multinary Compositions. ACS NANO 2022; 16:8917-8927. [PMID: 35593407 PMCID: PMC9245353 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c11144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Direct colloidal synthesis of multinary metal chalcogenide nanocrystals typically develops dynamically from the binary metal chalcogenide nanocrystals with the subsequent incorporation of additional metal cations from solution during the growth process. Metal seeding of binary and multinary chalcogenides is also established, although the seed is solely a catalyst for nanocrystal nucleation and the metal from the seed has never been exploited as active alloying nuclei. Here we form colloidal Cu-Bi-Zn-S nanorods (NRs) from Bi-seeded Cu2-xS heterostructures. The evolution of these homogeneously alloyed NRs is driven by the dissolution of the Bi-rich seed and recrystallization of the Cu-rich stem into a transitional segment, followed by the incorporation of Zn2+ to form the quaternary Cu-Bi-Zn-S composition. The present study also reveals that the variation of Zn concentration in the NRs modulates the aspect ratio and affects the nature of the majority charge carriers. The NRs exhibit promising thermoelectric properties with very low thermal conductivity values of 0.45 and 0.65 W/mK at 775 and 605 K, respectively, for Zn-poor and Zn-rich NRs. This study highlights the potential of metal seed alloying as a direct growth route to achieving homogeneously alloyed NRs compositions that are not possible by conventional direct methods or by postsynthetic transformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilotpal Kapuria
- Department
of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Michele Conroy
- Department
of Physics and Energy and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Department
of Materials, Royal School of Mines, Imperial
College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Vasily A Lebedev
- Department
of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Temilade Esther Adegoke
- Department
of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Department
of Physics and Energy and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Yu Zhang
- Catalonia
Institute for Energy Research—IREC, 08930 Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ibrahim Saana Amiinu
- Department
of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Ursel Bangert
- Department
of Physics and Energy and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Andreu Cabot
- Catalonia
Institute for Energy Research—IREC, 08930 Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Shalini Singh
- Department
of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Kevin M Ryan
- Department
of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94T9PX Limerick, Ireland
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14
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Growing single crystals of two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks enabled by intermediate tracing study. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1370. [PMID: 35296677 PMCID: PMC8927472 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29086-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Resolving single-crystal structures of two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D COFs) is a great challenge, hindered in part by limited strategies for growing high-quality crystals. A better understanding of the growth mechanism facilitates development of methods to grow high-quality 2D COF single crystals. Here, we take a different perspective to explore the 2D COF growth process by tracing growth intermediates. We discover two different growth mechanisms, nucleation and self-healing, in which self-assembly and pre-arrangement of monomers and oligomers are important factors for obtaining highly crystalline 2D COFs. These findings enable us to grow micron-sized 2D single crystalline COF Py-1P. The crystal structure of Py-1P is successfully characterized by three-dimensional electron diffraction (3DED), which confirms that Py-1P does, in part, adopt the widely predicted AA stacking structure. In addition, we find the majority of Py-1P crystals (>90%) have a previously unknown structure, containing 6 stacking layers within one unit cell. Resolving single-crystal structures of two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D COFs) is a great challenge. Here, the authors identify two different growth mechanisms of COFs, enabling the growth and structure determination of micron-sized 2D single-crystalline COFs.
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15
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Kapuria N, Patil NN, Ryan KM, Singh S. Two-dimensional copper based colloidal nanocrystals: synthesis and applications. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:2885-2914. [PMID: 35156983 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr06990j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor nanocrystals display unconventional physical and opto-electronic properties due to their ultrathin and unique electronic structures. Since the success of Cd-based photoemissive nanocrystals, the development of sustainable and low-cost nanocrystals with enhanced electronic and physical properties has become a central research theme. In this context, copper-based semiconductor 2D nanocrystals, the cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative, exhibit unique plasmonic resonance, transport properties, and high ionic conductivity beneficial for sensing, energy storage, conversion, and catalytic applications. This review summarizes recent progress in the colloidal synthesis, growth mechanisms, properties, and applications of 2D copper-based nanostructures with tunable compositions, dimensions, and crystal phases. We highlight the growth mechanisms concerning their shape evolution in two dimensions. We analyse the effectiveness of cation exchange as a tool to synthesize multinary nanocrystals. Based on the preparation of Cu-based chalcogenide and non-chalcogenide compositions, we discuss synthesis control achieved via colloidal approaches to allow dimension tunability, phase engineering, and plasmonic and thermoelectric property optimization. Furthermore, their potential in various applications of catalysis, energy storage, and sensing is reviewed. Finally, we address the current challenges associated with 2D Cu-based nanocrystal development and provide an outlook pertaining to unexplored research areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilotpal Kapuria
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Niraj Nitish Patil
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Kevin M Ryan
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Shalini Singh
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
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16
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Abebe B, Tsegaye D, Ananda Murthy HC. Insight into nanocrystal synthesis: from precursor decomposition to combustion. RSC Adv 2022; 12:24374-24389. [PMID: 36128523 PMCID: PMC9425161 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra05222a] [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: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanotechnology-based synthesis of nanoscale materials has appealed to the attention of scientists in the modern scientific community. In the bottom-up approach, atoms start to aggregate/agglomerate and form nuclei within the minimum and maximum supersaturation range. Once nuclei are generated above the critical-free energy/radius, the growth is initiated by obeying the LaMar model with a slight extra simple growth by diffusion advancement. The in situ real-time liquid phase analysis using STEM, AFM, and XAS techniques is used to control precursor decomposition to the nanocrystal formation process and should be a non-stoppable technique. Solution combustion synthesis (SCS) is a time-/energy-efficient self-sustained process that produces mass-/ion transport active porous materials. SCS also permits the synthesis of evenly distributed-doped and hybrid-nanomaterials, which are beneficial in tuning crucial properties of the materials. The growth and development of nanocrystals, dehydrating the sol in the presence of a surfactant or/and fuel results in combustion once it arrives at the ignition temperature. Besides, the kinetic and thermodynamics controlled architecture-directing agent-assisted SCS offers colloidal nanocrystal framework formation, which is currently highly applicable for energy devices. This short review provides insightful information that adds to the existing nanocrystal synthesis process and solution combustion synthesis and recommends future directions in the field. The LaMar model visualizes the process of nanocrystal formation. The solution combustion synthesis approach is a noble methodology resulting in highly stable and ordered porous nanomaterials.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Buzuayehu Abebe
- Adama Science and Technology University, Department of Applied Chemistry, 1888, Adama, Ethiopia
| | - Dereje Tsegaye
- Adama Science and Technology University, Department of Applied Chemistry, 1888, Adama, Ethiopia
| | - H. C. Ananda Murthy
- Adama Science and Technology University, Department of Applied Chemistry, 1888, Adama, Ethiopia
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17
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Fridman H, Volokh M, Mokari T. Dynamics of the nanocrystal structure and composition in growth solutions monitored by in situ lab-scale X-ray diffraction. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:19076-19084. [PMID: 34761763 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr05371j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In situ characterization of nanoparticle (NP) growth has become the state-of-the-art approach for studying their growth mechanisms; there is broad consensus on the reliability and precision of in situ characterization techniques compared to more traditional ex situ ones. Nonetheless, most of the currently available methods require the use of sophisticated setups such as synchrotron-based X-ray sources or an environmental liquid transmission electron microscopy (TEM) cell, which are expensive and not readily accessible. Herein, we suggest a new approach to study NP growth mechanisms: using a commercially available heating chamber for time-resolved X-ray diffraction (TR-XRD) measurements of NP growth in solution. We demonstrate how this lab-scale in situ XRD can be used to study NP growth mechanisms when complemented by standard ex situ techniques such as TEM and UV-vis spectroscopy. TR-XRD reveals the crystallographic phase and real-time evolution of NP size, shape, and composition. A detailed analysis allows determining the growth mechanism and measuring the alloying kinetics of multinary nanocrystals, demonstrated herein for a colloidal CdxZn1-xS system. This approach proves itself as a promising strategy for NP growth research and could be expanded to related fields that study dynamic changes as the formation and evolution of crystalline materials in solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Fridman
- Department of Chemistry and Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 8410501, Israel.
| | - Michael Volokh
- Department of Chemistry and Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 8410501, Israel.
| | - Taleb Mokari
- Department of Chemistry and Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 8410501, Israel.
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18
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Yarur Villanueva F, Green PB, Qiu C, Ullah SR, Buenviaje K, Howe JY, Majewski MB, Wilson MWB. Binary Cu 2-xS Templates Direct the Formation of Quaternary Cu 2ZnSnS 4 (Kesterite, Wurtzite) Nanocrystals. ACS NANO 2021; 15:18085-18099. [PMID: 34705409 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c06730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (k-CZTS) nanocrystals have received attention for their tunable optoelectronic properties, as well as the earth abundance of their constituent atoms. However, the phase-pure synthesis of these quaternary NCs is challenging due to their polymorphism, as well as the undesired formation of related binary and ternary impurities. A general synthetic route to tackle this complexity is to pass through intermediate template nanocrystals that direct subsequent cation exchange toward the desired quaternary crystalline phase, particularly those that are thermodynamically disfavored or otherwise synthetically challenging. Here, working within this model multinary system, we achieve control over the formation of three binary copper sulfide polymorphs, cubic digenite (Cu1.8S), hexagonal covellite (CuS), and monoclinic djurleite (Cu1.94S). Controlled experiments with Cu0 seeds show that selected binary phases can be favored by the identity and stoichiometry of the sulfur precursor alone under otherwise comparable reaction conditions. We then demonstrate that the nature of the Cu2-xS template dictates the final polymorph of the CZTS nanocrystal products. Through digenite, the cation exchange reaction readily yields the k-CZTS phase due to its highly similar anion sublattice. Covellite nanocrystals template the k-CZTS phase but via major structural rearrangement to digenite that requires elevated temperatures in the absence of a strong reducing agent. In contrast, we show that independently synthesized djurleite nanorods template the formation of the wurtzite polymorph (w-CZTS) but with prominent stacking faults in the final product. Applying this refined understanding to the standard one-pot syntheses of k- and w-CZTS nanocrystals, we identify that these reactions are each effectively templated by binary intermediates formed in situ, harnessing their properties to guide the overall synthesis of phase-pure quaternary materials. Our results provide tools for the careful development of tailored nanocrystal syntheses in complex polymorphic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Yarur Villanueva
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Centre for NanoScience Research, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Philippe B Green
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Chenyue Qiu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E4, Canada
| | - Shahnaj R Ullah
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Centre for NanoScience Research, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Kirstin Buenviaje
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Centre for NanoScience Research, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Jane Y Howe
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E4, Canada
| | - Marek B Majewski
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Centre for NanoScience Research, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Mark W B Wilson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
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19
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Tappan BA, Crans KD, Brutchey RL. Formation Pathway of Wurtzite-like Cu 2ZnSnSe 4 Nanocrystals. Inorg Chem 2021; 60:17178-17185. [PMID: 34735130 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.1c02506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cu2ZnSnSe4 is a direct band gap semiconductor composed of earth-abundant elements, making it an attractive material for thin-film photovoltaic technologies. Cu2ZnSnSe4 crystallizes in the kesterite structure type as a bulk material, but it can also crystallize in a metastable wurtzite-like crystal structure when synthesized on the nanoscale. The wurtzite-like polymorph introduces unique and useful properties to Cu2ZnSnSe4 materials, including widely tunable band gaps and superior compositional flexibility as compared to kesterite Cu2ZnSnSe4. Here, we investigate the formation pathway of colloidally prepared wurtzite-like Cu2ZnSnSe4 nanocrystals. We show that this quaternary material forms through a chain of reactions, starting with binary Cu3Se2 nanocrystals that, due to both kinetic and thermodynamic reasons, preferentially react with tin to yield hexagonal copper tin selenide intermediates. These ternary intermediates then react with zinc to form the resulting wurtzite-like Cu2ZnSnSe4 nanocrystals. Based on this formation pathway, we suggest synthetic methods that may prevent the formation of unwanted impurity phases that are known to hamper the efficiency of Cu2ZnSnSe4-based optoelectronic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce A Tappan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Kyle D Crans
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Richard L Brutchey
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
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20
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Millstone JE, Eikey EA, Fagan AM, Gan XY, Lord RW, Sen R, Steimle BC, Schaak RE. Virtual Issue on Nanosynthetic Chemistry. ACS NANO 2021; 15:13893-13896. [PMID: 34583467 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c08046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
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