Strong electronic coupling in two-dimensional assemblies of colloidal PbSe quantum dots

Ultrabright NIR-IIb Fluorescence Quantum Dots for Targeted Imaging-Guided Surgery

Pioneering approaches for precise tumor removal involve fluorescence-guided surgery, while challenges persist, including the low fluorescence contrast observed at tumor boundaries and the potential for excessive damage to normal tissue at the edges. Lead/cadmium sulfide quantum dots (PbS@CdS QDs), boasting high quantum yields (QYs) and vivid fluorescence, have facilitated advancements in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II, 900-1700 nm). However, during fluorescent surgical navigation operations, hydrophilic coatings of these inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) guarantee biosafety; it also comes at the expense of losing a significant portion of QY and NIR-II fluorescence, causing heightened damage to normal tissues caused by cutting edges. Herein, we present hydrophilic core-shell PbS@CdS@PEG NPs with an exceptionally small diameter (∼8 nm) and a brilliant NIR-IIb (1500-1700 nm) emission at approximately 1600 nm. The mPEG-SH (MW: 2000) addresses the hydrophobicity and enhances the biosafety of PbS@CdS QDs. In vivo fluorescence-guided cervical tumor resection becomes achievable immediately upon injection of an aqueous solution of PbS@CdS@PEG NPs. Notably, this approach results in a significantly reduced thickness (100-500 μm) of damage to normal tissues at the margins of the resected tumors. With a high QY (∼30.2%) and robust resistance to photobleaching, NIR-IIb imaging is sustained throughout the imaging process.

Micrometer-Scale Carrier Transport in the Solid Film of Giant CdSe/CdS Nanocrystals Imaged by Transient Absorption Microscopy

For the practical applications in solar cells and photodetectors, semiconductor colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) are assembled into a high-concentration film with carrier transport characteristics, the full understanding and effective control of which are critical for the achievement of high light-to-electricity conversion efficiencies. Here we have applied transient absorption microscopy to the solid film of giant CdSe/CdS NCs and discovered that at high pump fluences the carrier transport could reach a long distance of ∼2 μm within ∼30 ps after laser pulse excitation. This intriguing behavior is attributed to the metal-insulator transition and the associated bandlike transport, which are promoted by the enhanced electronic coupling among neighboring NCs with extended wave functions overlap of the excited-state charge carriers. Besides providing fundamental transport information in the regime of high laser pump fluences, the above findings shed light on the rational design of high-power light detecting schemes based on colloidal NCs.

Comparative Study of Covalent and van der Waals CdS Quantum Dot Assemblies from Many-Body Perturbation Theory

Quantum dot (QD) assemblies are nanostructured networks made from aggregates of QDs and feature improved charge and energy transfer efficiencies compared to discrete QDs. Using first-principles many-body perturbation theory, we systematically compare the electronic and optical properties of two types of CdS QD assemblies that have been experimentally investigated: (i) QD gels, where individual QDs are covalently connected via di- or polysulfide bonds, and (ii) QD nanocrystals, where individual QDs are bound via van der Waals interactions. Our work illustrates how the electronic and optical properties evolve when discrete QDs are assembled into 1D, 2D, and 3D gels and nanocrystals, as well as how the one-body and many-body interactions in these systems impact the trends as the dimensionality of the assembly increases. Furthermore, our work reveals the crucial role of the di- or polysulfide covalent bonds in the localization of the excitons, which highlights the difference between QD gels and QD nanocrystals.

Simulations of nonradiative processes in semiconductor nanocrystals

The description of carrier dynamics in spatially confined semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs), which have enhanced electron-hole and exciton-phonon interactions, is a great challenge for modern computational science. These NCs typically contain thousands of atoms and tens of thousands of valence electrons with discrete spectra at low excitation energies, similar to atoms and molecules, that converge to the continuum bulk limit at higher energies. Computational methods developed for molecules are limited to very small nanoclusters, and methods for bulk systems with periodic boundary conditions are not suitable due to the lack of translational symmetry in NCs. This perspective focuses on our recent efforts in developing a unified atomistic model based on the semiempirical pseudopotential approach, which is parameterized by first-principle calculations and validated against experimental measurements, to describe two of the main nonradiative relaxation processes of quantum confined excitons: exciton cooling and Auger recombination. We focus on the description of both electron-hole and exciton-phonon interactions in our approach and discuss the role of size, shape, and interfacing on the electronic properties and dynamics for II-VI and III-V semiconductor NCs.

Measuring the carrier diffusion length in quantum dot films using graphene as photocarrier density probe

The diffusion length of quantum dot (QD) films is a critical parameter to improve the performance of QD-based optoelectronic devices. The dot-to-dot hopping transport mechanism results in shorter diffusion lengths compared to bulk solids. Herein, we present an experimental method to measure the diffusion length in PbS QD films using single layer graphene as a charge collector to monitor the density of photogenerated carriers. By producing devices with different thicknesses, we can construct light absorption and photocarrier density profiles, allowing extracting light penetration depths and carrier diffusion lengths for electrons and holes. We realized devices with small (size: ∼2.5 nm) and large (size: ∼4.8 nm) QDs, and use λ = 532 nm and λ = 635 nm wavelength illumination. For small QDs, we obtain diffusion lengths of 180 nm for holes and 500 nm for electrons. For large QDs, we obtain diffusion lengths of 120 nm for holes and 150 nm for electrons. Our results show that films made of small QD films have longer diffusion lengths for holes and electrons. We also observe that wavelength illumination may have a small effect, with electrons showing a diffusion length of 500 and 420 nm under λ = 532 nm and λ = 635 nm illumination, respectively, which may be due to increased interactions between photocarriers for longer wavelengths with deeper penetration depths. Our results demonstrate an effective technique to calculate diffusion lengths of photogenerated electrons and holes and indicate that not only QD size but also wavelength illumination can play important roles in the diffusion and electrical transport of photocarriers in QD films.

Temperature-Independent Dielectric Constant in CsPbBr3 Nanocrystals Revealed by Linear Absorption Spectroscopy

Fundamental photophysical behavior in CsPbBr₃ nanocrystals (NCs), especially at low temperatures, is under active investigation. While many studies have reported temperature-dependent photoluminescence, comparatively few have focused on understanding the temperature-dependent absorption spectrum. Here, we report the temperature-dependent (35-300 K) absorption and photoluminescence spectra of zwitterionic ligand-capped CsPbBr₃ NCs with four different edge lengths (d = 4.9, 7.2, 8.1, and 13.2 nm). The two lowest-energy excitonic transitions are quantitatively modeled over the full temperature range within the effective mass approximation considering the quasi-cubic NC shape and nonparabolicity of the electronic bands. Significantly, we find that the effective dielectric constant determined from the best fit model parameters is independent of temperature. Moreover, we observe a temperature-dependent Stokes shift that saturates at a finite value of Δ ≈ 10 meV at low temperatures for d = 7.2 nm NCs, which is absent in bulk CsPbBr₃ films. Overall, these observations highlight differences between the temperature-dependent dielectric behavior of NC and bulk perovskites and point to the need for a more unified theoretical understanding of absorption and emission in halide perovskites.

Tip-Induced Strain Engineering of a Single Metal Halide Perovskite Quantum Dot

Strain engineering of perovskite quantum dots (pQDs) enables widely tunable photonic device applications. However, manipulation at the single-emitter level has never been attempted. Here, we present a tip-induced control approach combined with tip-enhanced photoluminescence (TEPL) spectroscopy to engineer strain, bandgap, and the emission quantum yield of a single pQD. Single CsPbBr_xI_3-x pQDs are clearly resolved through hyperspectral TEPL imaging with ∼10 nm spatial resolution. The plasmonic tip then directly applies pressure to a single pQD to facilitate a bandgap shift up to ∼62 meV with Purcell-enhanced PL increase as high as ∼10⁵ for the strain-induced pQD. Furthermore, by systematically modulating the tip-induced compressive strain of a single pQD, we achieve dynamical bandgap engineering in a reversible manner. In addition, we facilitate the quantum dot coupling for a pQD ensemble with ∼0.8 GPa tip pressure at the nanoscale estimated theoretically. Our approach presents a strategy to tune the nano-opto-electro-mechanical properties of pQDs at the single-crystal level.

All-Solution-Processed Quantum Dot Electrical Double-Layer Transistors Enhanced by Surface Charges of Ti3C2Tx MXene Contacts

Fully solution-processed, large-area, electrical double-layer transistors (EDLTs) are presented by employing lead sulfide (PbS) colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) as active channels and Ti₃C₂T_x MXene as electrical contacts (including gate, source, and drain). The MXene contacts are successfully patterned by standard photolithography and plasma-etch techniques and integrated with CQD films. The large surface area of CQD film channels is effectively gated by ionic gel, resulting in high performance EDLT devices. A large electron saturation mobility of 3.32 cm² V^-1 s^-1 and current modulation of 1.87 × 10⁴ operating at low driving gate voltage range of 1.25 V with negligible hysteresis are achieved. The relatively low work function of Ti₃C₂T_x MXene (4.42 eV) compared to vacuum-evaporated noble metals such as Au and Pt makes them a suitable contact material for n-type transport in iodide-capped PbS CQD films with a LUMO level of ∼4.14 eV. Moreover, we demonstrate that the negative surface charges of MXene enhance the accumulation of cations at lower gate bias, achieving a threshold voltage as low as 0.36 V. The current results suggest a promising potential of MXene electrical contacts by exploiting their negative surface charges.

Fabrication of nanocrystal superlattice microchannels by soft-lithography for electronic measurements of single-crystalline domains

We report a high-throughput and easy-to-implement approach to fabricate microchannels of nanocrystal superlattices with dimensions of ∼4 μm², thus approaching the size of typical single-crystalline domains. By means of microcontact printing, highly ordered superlattices with microscale dimensions are transferred onto photolithographically prepatterned microelectrodes, obtaining well-defined superlattice microchannels. We present step-by-step guidelines for microfabrication, nanocrystal self-assembly and patterning to archive large quantities of up to 330 microchannels per device for statistically meaningful investigations of charge transport in single-crystalline superlattice domains. As proof-of-concept, we perform conductivity and field-effect transistor measurements on microchannels of PbS nanocrystal superlattices. We find that the electric transport within microchannel superlattices is orders of magnitude more efficient than within conventional large-scale channels, highlighting the advantage of the near single-crystalline microchannels presented in this paper.

Orthogonal colloidal quantum dot inks enable efficient multilayer optoelectronic devices

Surface ligands enable control over the dispersibility of colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) via steric and electrostatic stabilization. Today’s device-grade CQD inks have consistently relied on highly polar solvents: this enables facile single-step deposition of multi-hundred-nanometer-thick CQD films; but it prevents the realization of CQD film stacks made up of CQDs having different compositions, since polar solvents redisperse underlying films. Here we introduce aromatic ligands to achieve process-orthogonal CQD inks, and enable thereby multifunctional multilayer CQD solids. We explore the effect of the anchoring group of the aromatic ligand on the solubility of CQD inks in weakly-polar solvents, and find that a judicious selection of the anchoring group induces a dipole that provides additional CQD-solvent interactions. This enables colloidal stability without relying on bulky insulating ligands. We showcase the benefit of this ink as the hole transport layer in CQD optoelectronics, achieving an external quantum efficiency of 84% at 1210 nm.

The realisation of film made up of different compositions using colloidal QD inks remains a challenge because of redispersing of underlying films by polar solvents. Here, the authors introduce aromatic ligands to achieve QD inks in weakly-polar solvents that enable fabrication of multi-compositional films.

Novel post-synthesis purification strategies and the ligand exchange processes in simplifying the fabrication of PbS quantum dot solar cells

Quantum dots (QDs) solids with iodide passivation are a key component for most of the well-performing PbS QDs solar cells. Usually, iodide passivation of oleic acid (OA) capped PbS QDs films is achieved by a solid-state ligand exchange process using tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI). This ligand exchange process has generally been reported to be incomplete, especially in higher thicknesses, affecting the properties of the films adversely, producing inconsistent results in the device structures fabricated. The present study is based on a systematic investigation of the TBAI exchange on PbS QDs films and the performance of the resulting solar cells. We could achieve a complete TBAI exchange in a sufficiently thick (∼240 nm) and dense QDs film deposited by a minimum number of coating steps, through the optimization of the number of post-synthesis washing cycles on the QDs. Detailed studies were carried out investigating the effect of the number of washing cycles on the quantity of OA before and after the exchange, the ligand exchange efficiency, the development of trap states and the resulting photovoltaic device performance. A power conversion efficiency of 5.55% was obtained for a device subjected to an optimum number of washing cycles.

Quantum dots (QDs) solids with iodide passivation are a key component for most of the well-performing PbS QDs solar cells.

Universal direct patterning of colloidal quantum dots by (extreme) ultraviolet and electron beam lithography

Colloidal quantum dots have found many applications and patterning them on micro- and nanoscale would open a new dimension of tunability for the creation of smaller scale (flexible) electronics or nanophotonic structures. Here we present a simple, general, one-step top-down patterning technique for colloidal quantum dots by means of direct optical or electron beam lithography. We find that both photons and electrons can induce a solubility switch of both PbS and CdSe quantum dot films. The solubility switch can be ascribed to cross-linking of the organic ligands, which we observe from exposure with deep-UV photons (5.5 eV) to extreme-UV photons (91.9 eV), and low-energy (3-70 eV) as well as highly energetic electrons (50 keV). The required doses for patterning are relatively low and feature sizes can be as small as tens of nanometers. The luminescence properties as well as carrier lifetimes remain similar after patterning.

Coherent Exciton Dynamics in Ensembles of Size-Dispersed CdSe Quantum Dot Dimers Probed via Ultrafast Spectroscopy: A Quantum Computational Study

Interdot coherent excitonic dynamics in nanometric colloidal CdSe quantum dots (QD) dimers lead to interdot charge migration and energy transfer. We show by electronic quantum dynamical simulations that the interdot coherent response to ultrashort fs laser pulses can be characterized by pump-probe transient absorption spectroscopy in spite of the inevitable inherent size dispersion of colloidal QDs. The latter, leading to a broadening of the excitonic bands, induce accidental resonances that actually increase the efficiency of the interdot coupling. The optical electronic response is computed by solving the time-dependent Schrodinger equation including the interaction with the oscillating electric field of the pulses for an ensemble of dimers that differ by their size. The excitonic Hamiltonian of each dimer is parameterized by the QD size and interdot distance, using an effective mass approximation. Local and charge transfer excitons are included in the dimer basis set. By tailoring the QD size, the excitonic bands can be tuned to overlap and thus favor interdot coupling. Computed pump-probe transient absorption maps averaged over the ensemble show that the coherence of excitons in QD dimers that lead to interdot charge migration can survive size disorder and could be observed in fs pump-probe, four-wave mixing, or covariance spectroscopy.

Halogen Vacancies Enable Ligand-Assisted Self-Assembly of Perovskite Quantum Dots into Nanowires

Interest has been growing in defects of halide perovskites in view of their intimate connection with key material optoelectronic properties. In perovskite quantum dots (PQDs), the influence of defects is even more apparent than in their bulk counterparts. By combining experiment and theory, we report herein a halide-vacancy-driven, ligand-directed self-assembly process of CsPbBr₃ PQDs. With the assistance of oleic acid and didodecyldimethylammonium sulfide, surface-Br-vacancy-rich CsPbBr₃ PQDs self-assemble into nanowires (NWs) that are 20-60 nm in width and several millimeters in length. The NWs exhibit a sharp photoluminescence profile (≈18 nm full-width at-half-maximum) that peaks at 525 nm. Our findings provide insight into the defect-correlated dynamics of PQDs and defect-assisted fabrication of perovskite materials and devices.

Nanoplatelet cryoaerogels with potential application in photoelectrochemical sensing

Semiconductor nanoparticle based porous 3D assemblies are interesting materials for various applications in the fields of photovoltaics, catalysis, or optical sensing. For use as photoelectrodes in photoelectrochemical sensors they need to be characterised by a high porosity, a good photostability, and a high charge carrier mobility. Our work reports on the preparation of cryoaerogel photoelectrodes based on CdSe nanoplatelets and their photoelectrochemical characterisation by means of linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and intensity modulated photocurrent spectroscopy (IMPS). The obtained open-pored cryoaerogel films were observed to produce much higher photocurrents than comparable drop-cast films. By means of IMPS, the performance differences could be linked to the occurrence of charge carrier movement, which could solely be proven for the cryoaerogels. In a proof-of-principle experiment, the potential of the prepared photoelectrodes for application in photoelectrochemical sensing was moreover demonstrated.

Picosecond Charge Transfer and Long Carrier Diffusion Lengths in Colloidal Quantum Dot Solids

Quantum dots (QDs) are promising candidates for solution-processed thin-film optoelectronic devices. Both the diffusion length and the mobility of photoexcited charge carriers in QD solids are critical determinants of solar cell performance; yet various techniques offer diverse values of these key parameters even in notionally similar films. Here we report diffusion lengths and interdot charge transfer rates using a 3D donor/acceptor technique that directly monitors the rate at which photoexcitations reach small-bandgap dot inclusions having a known spacing within a larger-bandgap QD matrix. Instead of relying on photoluminescence (which can be weak in strongly coupled QD solids), we use ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy, a method where sensitivity is undiminished by exciton dissociation. We measure record diffusion lengths of ∼300 nm in metal halide exchanged PbS QD solids that have led to power conversion efficiencies of 12%, and determine 8 ps interdot hopping of carriers following photoexcitation, among the fastest rates reported for PbS QD solids. We also find that QD solids composed of smaller QDs ( d = ∼3.2 nm) exhibit 5 times faster interdot charge transfer rates and 10 times lower trap state densities compared to larger ( d = ∼5.5 nm) QDs.

Photon antibunching in a cluster of giant CdSe/CdS nanocrystals

When closely packed into a high-density film, semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) can interact with each other to yield collective optical behaviours, which are normally difficult to characterize due to the ensemble average effect. Here we synthesized semiconductor NC clusters and performed single-particle spectroscopic measurements to probe the electronic couplings of several giant CdSe/CdS NCs contained in one cluster with nanometer-scale separations. Such a single cluster exhibits multiple emission peaks at the cryogenic temperature with nearly identical photoluminescence decay dynamics, suggesting that the Förster-type energy transfer does not occur among the composing NCs. Surprisingly, strong photon antibunching is still observed from a single cluster, which can be attributed to the Auger annihilation of photo-excited excitons from different NCs. The isolation of several nearby NCs interacting with the above novel mechanism has marked a solid progress towards a full understanding and an efficient control of the operation parameters in NC-based optoelectronic devices.

Imaging Heterogeneously Distributed Photo-Active Traps in Perovskite Single Crystals

Organic-inorganic halide perovskites (OIHPs) have demonstrated outstanding energy conversion efficiency in solar cells and light-emitting devices. In spite of intensive developments in both materials and devices, electronic traps and defects that significantly affect their device properties remain under-investigated. Particularly, it remains challenging to identify and to resolve traps individually at the nanoscopic scale. Here, photo-active traps (PATs) are mapped over OIHP nanocrystal morphology of different crystallinity by means of correlative optical differential super-resolution localization microscopy (Δ-SRLM) and electron microscopy. Stochastic and monolithic photoluminescence intermittency due to individual PATs is observed on monocrystalline and polycrystalline OIHP nanocrystals. Δ-SRLM reveals a heterogeneous PAT distribution across nanocrystals and determines the PAT density to be 1.3 × 10¹⁴ and 8 × 10¹³ cm^-3 for polycrystalline and for monocrystalline nanocrystals, respectively. The higher PAT density in polycrystalline nanocrystals is likely related to an increased defect density. Moreover, monocrystalline nanocrystals that are prepared in an oxygen- and moisture-free environment show a similar PAT density as that prepared at ambient conditions, excluding oxygen or moisture as chief causes of PATs. Hence, it is concluded that the PATs come from inherent structural defects in the material, which suggests that the PAT density can be reduced by improving crystalline quality of the material.

Recent Progress in the Preparation, Assembly, Transformation, and Applications of Layer-Structured Nanodisks beyond Graphene

Layered nanodisks with confined thickness and lateral size have been emerging as a unique type of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials in recent years. Inheriting some properties of 2D nanosheets and meanwhile possessing the size-confinement effect, these layered nanodisks exhibit unique optical, electronic, and chemical properties, which endow them with great promise in a wide range of applications. Here, the recent progress of layered nanodisks is introduced. The synthetic strategies, assembly, structural/compositional transformation, and applications of layered nanodisks are systematically described and discussed, with emphasis on their new appealing structures and functions. Finally, some perspectives and future research directions of this promising field are given.

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

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

Imaging and Manipulating Energy Transfer Among Quantum Dots at Individual Dot Resolution

Many processes of interest in quantum dots involve charge or energy transfer from one dot to another. Energy transfer in films of quantum dots as well as between linked quantum dots has been demonstrated by luminescence shift, and the ultrafast time-dependence of energy transfer processes has been resolved. Bandgap variation among dots (energy disorder) and dot separation are known to play an important role in how energy diffuses. Thus, it would be very useful if energy transfer could be visualized directly on a dot-by-dot basis among small clusters or within films of quantum dots. To that effect, we report single molecule optical absorption detected by scanning tunneling microscopy (SMA-STM) to image energy pooling from donor into acceptor dots on a dot-by-dot basis. We show that we can manipulate groups of quantum dots by pruning away the dominant acceptor dot, and switching the energy transfer path to a different acceptor dot. Our experimental data agrees well with a simple Monte Carlo lattice model of energy transfer, similar to models in the literature, in which excitation energy is transferred preferentially from dots with a larger bandgap to dots with a smaller bandgap.

Interrogating surface state of isolated and agglomerated PbS quantum dots with solvent-induced stress

Applications of quantum dots (QDs) are often obstructed by the associated surface electronic states that quench photoluminescence (PL) and hinder charge transport. Preventing this is still largely being stymied owing to the lack of means to regulate their presence. Dispersing PbS QDs in toluene, we show that varying the solvent temperature offers a way of modulating their surface electronic state. A comprehensive energy-transfer model explains all the anomalous temperature-dependent behavior of the absorption and PL, explicitly revealing the PL quenching dynamics of isolated QDs due to the induced surface state by imposing solvent stress on their surface ligands. This study demonstrates that the local stress induced by a solvent can serve as a 'switch' for the surface electronic states of QDs, which is enabled by the well-studied thermo-physical properties of a liquid solvent.

Slow cooling and highly efficient extraction of hot carriers in colloidal perovskite nanocrystals

Hot-carrier solar cells can overcome the Shockley-Queisser limit by harvesting excess energy from hot carriers. Inorganic semiconductor nanocrystals are considered prime candidates. However, hot-carrier harvesting is compromised by competitive relaxation pathways (for example, intraband Auger process and defects) that overwhelm their phonon bottlenecks. Here we show colloidal halide perovskite nanocrystals transcend these limitations and exhibit around two orders slower hot-carrier cooling times and around four times larger hot-carrier temperatures than their bulk-film counterparts. Under low pump excitation, hot-carrier cooling mediated by a phonon bottleneck is surprisingly slower in smaller nanocrystals (contrasting with conventional nanocrystals). At high pump fluence, Auger heating dominates hot-carrier cooling, which is slower in larger nanocrystals (hitherto unobserved in conventional nanocrystals). Importantly, we demonstrate efficient room temperature hot-electrons extraction (up to ∼83%) by an energy-selective electron acceptor layer within 1 ps from surface-treated perovskite NCs thin films. These insights enable fresh approaches for extremely thin absorber and concentrator-type hot-carrier solar cells.

Harvesting excess energy from above-band gap photons could lead to solar cells which exceed conventional efficiency limits. Li et al., study hot carrier cooling in hybrid perovskite materials with reduced dimensionality using transient absorption spectroscopy and demonstrate efficient hot-electron extraction in such systems.

Exciton Transfer in Array of Epitaxially Connected Nanocrystals

Recently, epitaxially connected at facets semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) have been introduced to fascilitate the electron transport between nanocrystals. To fully deploy their potential, a better understanding of the exciton transfer between connected NCs is needed. We go beyond the two well-known transfer mechanisms suggested by Förster and Dexter and propose a third mechanism of exciton tandem tunneling. The tandem tunneling occurs through the intermediate state in which the electron and hole are in different NCs. The corresponding rate for exciton hops is larger than the Dexter rate and for Si is even much larger that the Förster one.

Chemically Triggered Formation of Two-Dimensional Epitaxial Quantum Dot Superlattices

Two dimensional superlattices of epitaxially connected quantum dots enable size-quantization effects to be combined with high charge carrier mobilities, an essential prerequisite for highly performing QD devices based on charge transport. Here, we demonstrate that surface active additives known to restore nanocrystal stoichiometry can trigger the formation of epitaxial superlattices of PbSe and PbS quantum dots. More specifically, we show that both chalcogen-adding (sodium sulfide) and lead oleate displacing (amines) additives induce small area epitaxial superlattices of PbSe quantum dots. In the latter case, the amine basicity is a sensitive handle to tune the superlattice symmetry, with strong and weak bases yielding pseudohexagonal or quasi-square lattices, respectively. Through density functional theory calculations and in situ titrations monitored by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we link this observation to the concomitantly different coordination enthalpy and ligand displacement potency of the amine. Next to that, an initial ∼10% reduction of the initial ligand density prior to monolayer formation and addition of a mild, lead oleate displacing chemical trigger such as aniline proved key to induce square superlattices with long-range, square micrometer order; an effect that is the more pronounced the larger the quantum dots. Because the approach applies to PbS quantum dots as well, we conclude that it offers a reproducible and rational method for the formation of highly ordered epitaxial quantum dot superlattices.

Efficient hydrogen evolution in transition metal dichalcogenides via a simple one-step hydrazine reaction

Hydrogen evolution reaction is catalysed efficiently with precious metals, such as platinum; however, transition metal dichalcogenides have recently emerged as a promising class of materials for electrocatalysis, but these materials still have low activity and durability when compared with precious metals. Here we report a simple one-step scalable approach, where MoO_x/MoS₂ core-shell nanowires and molybdenum disulfide sheets are exposed to dilute aqueous hydrazine at room temperature, which results in marked improvement in electrocatalytic performance. The nanowires exhibit ∼100 mV improvement in overpotential following exposure to dilute hydrazine, while also showing a 10-fold increase in current density and a significant change in Tafel slope. In situ electrical, gate-dependent measurements and spectroscopic investigations reveal that hydrazine acts as an electron dopant in molybdenum disulfide, increasing its conductivity, while also reducing the MoO_x core in the core-shell nanowires, which leads to improved electrocatalytic performance.

Transition metal dichalcogenides are promising hydrogen evolution catalysts however they can require expensive processing steps to enhance their activity. Here, the authors report a one-step activation step in which room temperature hydrazine treatment results in much enhanced electrocatalytic performance.

High Performance PbS Quantum Dot/Graphene Hybrid Solar Cell with Efficient Charge Extraction

Hybrid colloidal quantum dot (CQD) solar cells are fabricated from multilayer stacks of lead sulfide (PbS) CQD and single layer graphene (SG). The inclusion of graphene interlayers is shown to increase power conversion efficiency by 9.18%. It is shown that the inclusion of conductive graphene enhances charge extraction in devices. Photoluminescence shows that graphene quenches emission from the quantum dot suggesting spontaneous charge transfer to graphene. CQD photodetectors exhibit increased photoresponse and improved transport properties. We propose that the CQD/SG hybrid structure is a route to make CQD thin films with improved charge extraction, therefore resulting in improved solar cell efficiency.

A feasibility study of unconventional planar ligand spacers in chalcogenide nanocrystals

The solar cell efficiency of chalcogenide nanocrystals (quantum dots) has been limited in the past by the insulation between neighboring quantum dots caused by intervening, often long-chain, aliphatic ligands. We have conducted a computationally based feasibility study to investigate the use of ultra-thin, planar, charge-conducting ligands as an alternative to traditional long passive ligands. Not only might these radically unconventional ligands decrease the mean distance between adjacent quantum dots, but, since they are charge-conducting, they have the potential to actively enhance charge migration. Our ab initio studies compare the binding energies, electronic energy gaps, and absorption characteristics for both conventional and unconventional ligands, such as phthalocyanines, porphyrins and coronene. This comparison identified these unconventional ligands with the exception of titanyl phthalocyanine, that bind to themselves more strongly than to the surface of the quantum dot, which is likely to be less desirable for enhancing charge transport. The distribution of finite energy levels of the bound system is sensitive to the ligand's binding site and the levels correspond to delocalized states. We also observed a trap state localized on a single Pb atom when a sulfur-containing phenyldithiocarbamate (PTC) ligand is attached to a slightly off-stoichiometric dot in a manner that the sulfur of the ligand completes stoichiometry of the bound system. Hence, this is indicative of the source of trap state when thio-based ligands are bound to chalcogenide nanocrystals. We also predict that titanyl phthalocyanine in a mix with chalcogenide dots of diameter ∼1.5 Å can form a donor-acceptor system.

Hidden role of anion exchange reactions in nucleation of colloidal nanocrystals

We show the existence and importance of anion exchange reactions in colloidal chemistry.

Self-Assembled PbSe Nanowire:Perovskite Hybrids

Inorganic semiconductor nanowires are of interest in nano- and microscale photonic and electronic applications. Here we report the formation of PbSe nanowires based on directional quantum dot alignment and fusion regulated by hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite surface ligands. All material synthesis is carried out at mild temperatures. Passivation of PbSe quantum dots was achieved via a new perovskite ligand exchange. Subsequent in situ ammonium/amine substitution by butylamine enables quantum dots to be capped by butylammonium lead iodide, and this further drives the formation of a PbSe nanowire superlattice in a two-dimensional (2D) perovskite matrix. The average spacing between two adjacent nanowires agrees well with the thickness of single atomic layer of 2D perovskite, consistent with the formation of a new self-assembled semiconductor nanowire:perovskite heterocrystal hybrid.

Photon Antibunching in Small Clusters of CdSe/ZnS Core/Shell Quantum Dots

Coincident photon histogram measurements of fluorescence antibunching via confocal microscopy correlated with atomic force microscopy were carried out on (i) individual CdSe/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (QDs), (ii) several well separated QDs, and (iii) clusters of QDs. Individual QDs and well separated QDs showed the expected degree of antibunching for a single emitter and several independent emitters, respectively. The degree of antibunching in small, compact clusters was more characteristic of a single emitter than multiple emitters. The antibunching in clusters provides strong evidence of nonradiative energy transfer between QDs in a cluster. A minimal phenomenological model of energy transfer gives reasonable quantitative agreement with the experimental results.

Solvent-like ligand-coated ultrasmall cadmium selenide nanocrystals: strong electronic coupling in a self-organized assembly

Strong inter-nanocrystal electronic coupling is a prerequisite for delocalization of exciton wave functions and high conductivity. We report 170 meV electronic coupling energy of short chain poly(ethylene glycol) thiolate-coated ultrasmall (<2.5 nm in diameter) CdSe semiconductor nanocrystals (SNCs) in solution. Cryo-transmission electron microscopy analysis showed the formation of a pearl-necklace assembly of nanocrystals in solution with regular inter-nanocrystal spacing. The electronic coupling was studied as a function of CdSe nanocrystal size where the smallest nanocrystals exhibited the largest coupling energy. The electronic coupling in spin-cast thin-film (<200 nm in thickness) of poly(ethylene glycol) thiolate-coated CdSe SNCs was studied as a function of annealing temperature, where an unprecedentedly large, ∼400 meV coupling energy was observed for 1.6 nm diameter SNCs, which were coated with a thin layer of poly(ethylene glycol) thiolates. Small-angle X-ray scattering measurements showed that CdSe SNCs maintained an order array inside the films. The strong electronic coupling of SNCs in a self-organized film could facilitate the large-scale production of highly efficient electronic materials for advanced optoelectronic device application.

Variation of energy density of states in quantum dot arrays due to interparticle electronic coupling

Subnanometer-resolved local electron energy structure was measured in PbS quantum dot superlattice arrays using valence electron energy loss spectroscopy with scanning transmission electron microscopy. We found smaller values of the lowest available transition energies and an increased density of electronic states in the space between quantum dots with shorter interparticle spacing, indicating extension of carrier wave functions as a result of interparticle electronic coupling. A quantum simulation verified both trends and illustrated the wave function extension effect.

Lifetime, mobility, and diffusion of photoexcited carriers in ligand-exchanged lead selenide nanocrystal films measured by time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy

Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals have been used as building blocks for electronic and optoelectronic devices ranging from field-effect transistors to solar cells. Properties of the nanocrystal films depend sensitively on the choice of capping ligand to replace the insulating synthesis ligands. Thus far, ligands leading to the best performance in transistors result in poor solar cell performance, and vice versa. To gain insight into the nature of this dichotomy, we used time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy measurements to study the mobility and lifetime of PbSe nanocrystal films prepared with five common ligand-exchange reagents. Noncontact terahertz spectroscopy measurements of conductivity were corroborated by contacted van der Pauw measurements of the same samples. The films treated with different displacing ligands show more than an order of magnitude difference in the peak conductivities and a bifurcation of time dynamics. Inorganic chalcogenide ligand exchanges with sodium sulfide (Na2S) or ammonium thiocyanate (NH4SCN) show high mobilities but nearly complete decay of transient photocurrent in 1.4 ns. In contrast, ligand exchanges with 1,2-ethylenediamine (EDA), 1,2-ethanedithiol (EDT), and tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI) show lower mobilities but longer carrier lifetimes, resulting in longer diffusion lengths. This bifurcated behavior may explain the divergent performance of field-effect transistors and photovoltaics constructed from nanocrystal building blocks with different ligand exchanges.

A quantitative model for charge carrier transport, trapping and recombination in nanocrystal-based solar cells

Improving devices incorporating solution-processed nanocrystal-based semiconductors requires a better understanding of charge transport in these complex, inorganic–organic materials. Here we perform a systematic study on PbS nanocrystal-based diodes using temperature-dependent current–voltage characterization and thermal admittance spectroscopy to develop a model for charge transport that is applicable to different nanocrystal-solids and device architectures. Our analysis confirms that charge transport occurs in states that derive from the quantum-confined electronic levels of the individual nanocrystals and is governed by diffusion-controlled trap-assisted recombination. The current is limited not by the Schottky effect, but by Fermi-level pinning because of trap states that is independent of the electrode–nanocrystal interface. Our model successfully explains the non-trivial trends in charge transport as a function of nanocrystal size and the origins of the trade-offs facing the optimization of nanocrystal-based solar cells. We use the insights from our charge transport model to formulate design guidelines for engineering higher-performance nanocrystal-based devices.

Colloidal nanocrystals could help improve the performance of the next generation of solar cells, but a model that fully describes the electronic behaviour of such devices is missing. Bozyigit et al. now develop a quantitative model for charge transport in these solar cells.

High infrared photoconductivity in films of arsenic-sulfide-encapsulated lead-sulfide nanocrystals

Highly photoconductive thin films of inorganic-capped PbS nanocrystal quantum dots (QDs) are reported. Stable colloidal dispersions of (NH4)3AsS3-capped PbS QDs were processed by a conventional dip-coating technique into a thin homogeneous film of electronically coupled PbS QDs. Upon drying at 130 °C, (NH4)3AsS3 capping ligands were converted into a thin layer of As2S3, acting as an infrared-transparent semiconducting glue. Photodetectors obtained by depositing such films onto glass substrates with interdigitate electrode structures feature extremely high light responsivity and detectivity with values of more than 200 A/W and 1.2×10(13) Jones, respectively, at infrared wavelengths up to 1400 nm. Importantly, these devices were fabricated and tested under ambient atmosphere. Using a set of time-resolved optoelectronic experiments, the important role played by the carrier trap states, presumably localized on the arsenic-sulfide surface coating, has been elucidated. Foremost, these traps enable a very high photoconductive gain of at least 200. The trap state density as a function of energy has been plotted from the frequency dependence of the photoinduced absorption (PIA), whereas the distribution of lifetimes of these traps was recovered from PIA and photoconductivity (PC) phase spectra. These trap states also have an important impact on carrier dynamics, which led us to propose a kinetic model for trap state filling that consistently describes the experimental photoconductivity transients at various intensities of excitation light. This model also provides realistic values for the photoconductive gain and thus may serve as a useful tool to describe photoconductivity in nanocrystal-based solids.

Improving polymer/nanocrystal hybrid solar cell performance via tuning ligand orientation at CdSe quantum dot surface

Achieving superior solar cell performance based on the colloidal nanocrystals remains challenging due to their complex surface composition. Much attention has been devoted to the development of effective surface modification strategies to enhance electronic coupling between the nanocrystals to promote charge carrier transport. Herein, we aim to attach benzenedithiol ligands onto the surface of CdSe nanocrystals in the "face-on" geometry to minimize the nanocrystal-nanocrystal or polymer-nanocrystal distance. Furthermore, the "electroactive" π-orbitals of the benzenedithiol are expected to further enhance the electronic coupling, which facilitates charge carrier dissociation and transport. The electron mobility of CdSe QD films was improved 20 times by tuning the ligand orientation, and high performance poly[2,6-(4,4-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-4H-cyclopenta[2,1-b;3,4-b']-dithiophene)-alt-4,7-(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)] (PCPDTBT):CdSe nanocrystal hybrid solar cells were also achieved, showing a highest power conversion efficiency of 4.18%. This research could open up a new pathway to improve further the performance of colloidal nanocrystal based solar cells.

Charge transport-induced recoil and dissociation in double quantum dots

Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are free-standing nanostructures with chemically tunable electronic properties. This combination of properties offers intriguing new possibilities for nanoelectromechanical devices that were not explored yet. In this work, we consider a new scanning tunneling microscopy setup for measuring ligand-mediated effective interdot forces and for inducing motion of individual CQDs within an array. Theoretical analysis of a double quantum dot structure within this setup reveals for the first time voltage-induced interdot recoil and dissociation with pronounced changes in the current. Considering realistic microscopic parameters, our approach enables correlating the onset of mechanical motion under bias voltage with the effective ligand-mediated binding forces.

Resonant electronic coupling enabled by small molecules in nanocrystal solids

The future exploitation of the exceptional properties of nanocrystal (NC) thin films deposited from liquid dispersions of nanoparticles relies upon our ability to produce films with improved electrical properties by simple and inexpensive means. Here, we demonstrate that the electronic conduction of solution-processed NC films can be strongly enhanced without the need of postdeposition treatments, via specific molecules adsorbed at the surfaces of adjacent NCs. This effect is demonstrated for Si NC films doped with the strong molecular oxidizing agent tetrafluoro-tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4-TCNQ). Density functional calculations were carried out with molecule-doped superlattice solid models. It is shown that, when populated by electrons, hybrid molecule/NC states edge (and may actually resonate with) the conduction-band states of the NC solid. This provides extra electronic connectivity across the NC network as the molecules effectively flatten the electronic potential barriers for electron transfer across the otherwise vacuum-filled network interstitialcies.

Influence of high-pressure treatment on charge carrier transport in PbS colloidal quantum dot solids

We investigated the effects of high-pressure treatment on charge carrier transport in PbS colloidal quantum dot (CQD) solids. We applied high pressure to PbS CQD solids using nitrogen gas to reduce the inter-dot distance. Using this simple process, we obtained conductive PbS CQD solids. Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy was used to study charge carrier transport as a function of pressure. We found that the minimum pressure needed to increase the dielectric constant, conductivity, and carrier mobility was 4 MPa. All properties dramatically improved at 5 MPa; for example, the mobility increased from 0.13 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) at 0.1 MPa to 0.91 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) at 5 MPa. We propose this simple process as a nondestructive approach for making conductive PbS CQD solids that are free of chemical and physical defects.

Determination of particle size distribution of water-soluble CdTe quantum dots by optical spectroscopy

In the present study, we report the synthesis of glutathione (GSH) capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) using the one-pot approach as well as their optical properties.

Time resolved and temperature dependence of the radiative properties of thiol-capped CdS nanoparticles films

In this work, we present the temperature-dependence and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) of CdS nanoparticles capped independently with three different ligands thiophenol, thioglycerol, and l-cysteine over a broad temperature range from 10 to 300 K. The respective nanoparticles sizes in the three systems studied in this work are 1.5, 4, and 2 nm as determined from X-ray diffraction (XRD). From the analysis of AFM images, it was found that the lateral particle sizes of capped CdS nanoparticles are greater than those deduced from XRD or optical absorption measurements. The aim of this study is the investigation of the impact of the organic ligands on the radiative recombination dynamics in organically capped CdS nanoparticles. From the PL study and based on the temperature-dependence and time-resolved emission spectroscopy, we conclude that the emission of CdS QDs film originates from recombination of the delocalized carriers in the internal core states with a small contribution of the localized carriers at the interface. The PL decay reveals a biexponential behavior for the entire three samples at all temperatures. One of the two exponential components decays rapidly with a time τ₁ in the range 0.5-0.8 ns, whereas the other decays much more slowly, with a time τ₂ in the range 1-3 ns. The weak activation energy (32-37 meV) deduced from the temperature dependence of the PL intensity suggests the involvement of shallow traps. The analysis of the experimental results reveals a relatively narrow size distribution, an efficient surface passivation, and a satisfactory thermal stability of CdS nanocrystals.

Bulk transport and interfacial transfer dynamics of photogenerated carriers in CdSe quantum dot solid electrodes

Practical solar-to-fuel conversion applications of quantum-confined semiconductor crystals require their integration into electrodes. We show that photogenerated electrons in quantum dot solid electrodes can be transported to the aqueous interface to reduce methyl viologen with 100% quantum efficiency and an effective time constant of 12 ± 2 ps. The charge separated state had a half-life of 200 ± 10 ns, limited by hole transport within the solid.

Ratiometric temperature imaging using environment-insensitive luminescence of Mn-doped core-shell nanocrystals

We report a ratiometric temperature imaging method based on Mn luminescence from Mn-doped CdS-ZnS nanocrystals (NCs) with controlled doping location, which is designed to exhibit strong temperature dependence of the spectral lineshape while being insensitive to the surrounding chemical environment. Ratiometric thermometry on the Mn luminescence spectrum was performed by using Mn-doped CdS-ZnS core-shell NCs that have a large local lattice strain on the Mn site, which results in the enhanced temperature dependence of the bandwidth and peak position. The Mn luminescence spectral lineshape is highly robust with respect to the change in the polarity, phase and pH of the surrounding medium and aggregation of the NCs, showing great potential in temperature imaging under chemically heterogeneous environment. The temperature sensitivity (ΔIR/IR = 0.5%/K at 293 K, IR = intensity ratio at two different wavelengths) is highly linear in a wide range of temperatures from cryogenic to above-ambient temperatures. We demonstrate the surface temperature imaging of a cryo-cooling device showing a temperature variation of >200 K by imaging the luminescence of the NC film formed by simple spin coating, taking advantage of the environment-insensitive luminescence.

A mirage study of CdSe colloidal quantum dot films, Urbach tail, and surface states

Thermal deflection spectroscopy allows to measure very small absorption and uncovers absorption tails extending well below the bulk bandgap energy for CdSe quantum dots films after ligand exchange by sulfide. In this monodispersed system, the redshift, the broadening, and the absorption tails cannot be solely attributed to electronic coupling between the dots. Instead, mixing of hole states from the quantum dot and surface is proposed to dominate the changes of the interband spectra at the absorption edge.

Uniform thin films of CdSe and CdSe(ZnS) core(shell) quantum dots by sol-gel assembly: enabling photoelectrochemical characterization and electronic applications

Optoelectronic properties of quantum dot (QD) films are limited by (1) poor interfacial chemistry and (2) nonradiative recombination due to surface traps. To address these performance issues, sol-gel methods are applied to fabricate thin films of CdSe and core(shell) CdSe(ZnS) QDs. High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) imaging with chemical analysis confirms that the surface of the QDs in the sol-gel thin films are chalcogen-rich, consistent with an oxidative-induced gelation mechanism in which connectivity is achieved by formation of dichalcogenide covalent linkages between particles. The ligand removal and assembly process is probed by thermogravimetric, spectroscopic, and microscopic studies. Further enhancement of interparticle coupling via mild thermal annealing, which removes residual ligands and reinforces QD connectivity, results in QD sol-gel thin films with superior charge transport properties, as shown by a dramatic enhancement of electrochemical photocurrent under white light illumination relative to thin films composed of ligand-capped QDs. A more than 2-fold enhancement in photocurrent, and a further increase in photovoltage can be achieved by passivation of surface defects via overcoating with a thin ZnS shell. The ability to tune interfacial and surface characteristics for the optimization of photophysical properties suggests that the sol-gel approach may enable formation of QD thin films suitable for a range of optoelectronic applications.

The Complex Interaction of Spectroscopic Shifts and Electronic Properties in Semiconductor Nanocrystal Films

Absorption spectroscopy has traditionally served as a powerful technique for the study of solution synthesized semiconductor nanocrystals, enabling information on the size, dispersity, concentration, and overall quality of a sample to be obtained quickly and easily. When thin, densely packed films of these materials are produced through ligand exchange, spectroscopic shifts to both higher and lower energy are observed. Reduction of the internanocrystal distance can result in both a change to the overall dielectric constant of the film as well as increased electronic coupling, producing a redshift. At the same time, surface oxidation has the effect of increasing the confinement, producing a blueshift. This Perspective focuses on PbSe, a material of current interest, and the potential for correlating these spectroscopic shifts to optoelectronic properties, highlighting both recent work in the literature and areas in need of additional study.

N-type colloidal-quantum-dot solids for photovoltaics

N-type PbS colloidal-quantum-dot (CQD) films are fabricated using a controlled halide chemical treatment, applied in an inert processing ambient environment. The new materials exhibit a mobility of 0.1 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) . The halogen ions serve both as a passivating agent and n-dope the films via substitution at surface chalcogen sites. The majority electron concentration across the range 10(16) to 10(18) cm(-3) is varied systematically.