Rational ligand design for enhanced carrier mobility in self-powered SWIR photodiodes based on colloidal InSb quantum dots

Solution-processed colloidal III-V semiconductor quantum dot photodiodes (QPDs) have potential applications in short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) imaging due to their tunable spectral response range, possible multiple-exciton generation, operation at 0-V bias voltage and low-cost fabrication and are also expected to replace lead- and mercury-based counterparts that are hampered by reliance on restricted elements (RoHS). However, the use of III-V CQDs as photoactive layers in SWIR optoelectronic applications is still a challenge because of underdeveloped ligand engineering for improving the in-plane conductivity of the QD assembled films. Here, we report on ligand engineering of InSb CQDs to enhance the optical response performance of self-powered SWIR QPDs. Specifically, by replacing the conventional ligand (i.e., oleylamine) with sulfide, the interparticle distance between the CQDs was shortened from 5.0 ± 0.5 nm to 1.5 ± 0.5 nm, leading to improved carrier mobility for high photoresponse speed to SWIR light. Furthermore, the use of sulfide ligands resulted in a low dark current density (∼nA cm-2) with an improved EQE of 18.5%, suggesting their potential use in toxic-based infrared image sensors.

Surface charge-dependent cytokine production using near-infrared emitting silicon quantum dots

Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR-9) is a protein that helps our immune system identify specific DNA types. Upon detection, CpG oligodeoxynucleotides signal the immune system to generate cytokines, essential proteins that contribute to the body's defence against infectious diseases. Native phosphodiester type B CpG ODNs induce only Interleukin-6 with no effect on interferon-α. We prepared silicon quantum dots containing different surface charges, such as positive, negative, and neutral, using amine, acrylate-modified Plouronic F-127, and Plouronic F-127. Then, class B CpG ODNs are loaded on the surface of the prepared SiQDs. The uptake of ODNs varies based on the surface charge; positively charged SiQDs demonstrate higher adsorption compared to SiQDs with negative and neutral surface charges. The level of cytokine production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was found to be associated with the surface charge of SiQDs prior to the binding of the CpG ODNs. Significantly higher levels of IL-6 and IFN-α induction were observed compared to neutral and negatively charged SiQDs loaded with CpG ODNs. This observation strongly supports the notion that the surface charge of SiQDs effectively regulates cytokine induction.

A facile approach to preparing personalized cancer vaccines using iron-based metal organic framework

Background

Considering the diversity of tumors, it is of great significance to develop a simple, effective, and low-cost method to prepare personalized cancer vaccines.

Methods

In this study, a facile one-pot synthetic route was developed to prepare cancer vaccines using model antigen or autologous tumor antigens based on the coordination interaction between Fe3+ ions and endogenous fumarate ligands.

Results

Herein, Fe-based metal organic framework can effectively encapsulate tumor antigens with high loading efficiency more than 80%, and act as both delivery system and adjuvants for tumor antigens. By adjusting the synthesis parameters, the obtained cancer vaccines are easily tailored from microscale rod-like morphology with lengths of about 0.8 μm (OVA-ML) to nanoscale morphology with sizes of about 50~80 nm (OVA-MS). When cocultured with antigen-presenting cells, nanoscale cancer vaccines more effectively enhance antigen uptake and Th1 cytokine secretion than microscale ones. Nanoscale cancer vaccines (OVA-MS, dLLC-MS) more effectively enhance lymph node targeting and cross-presentation of tumor antigens, mount antitumor immunity, and inhibit the growth of established tumor in tumor-bearing mice, compared with microscale cancer vaccines (OVA-ML, dLLC-ML) and free tumor antigens.

Conclusions

Our work paves the ways for a facile, rapid, and low-cost preparation approach for personalized cancer vaccines.

Highly efficient, self-powered UV photodiodes based on leadfree perovskite nanocrystals through interfacial engineering

Double perovskite crystals are promising alternatives for lead-based perovskites that has potential to address toxicity and instability issues. In this study, Cs2AgBiCl6nanocrystals (NCs) with high absorption coefficients were synthesized by hot-injection method. The bandgap engineering was realized by tuning the halide composition in Cs2AgBiCl6to Cs2AgBiBr6. Both NCs were used as light-absorbing layers in lead-free perovskite photodiodes that exhibit wavelength-selectivity for UV-visible light operatable even at a bias voltage of 0 V. Cs2AgBiBr6-based photodiode exhibits a characteristic detection peak at 340 nm with a responsivity of 3.21 mA W-1, a specific detectivity up to 8.91 × 1010Jones and a fast response speed with a rise/fall time of 30/35 ms. The excellent performance of self-driven photodiodes lights up the prospect of lead-free perovskite NCs in highly efficient optoelectronic devices.

Analysis of Silicon Quantum Dots and Serum Proteins Interactions Using Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation

Semiconductor nanocrystals or quantum dots (QDs) have gained significant attention in biomedical research as versatile probes for imaging, sensing, and therapies. However, the interactions between proteins and QDs, which are crucial for their use in biological applications, are not yet fully understood. Asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) is a promising method for analyzing the interactions of proteins with QDs. This technique uses a combination of hydrodynamic and centrifugal forces to separate and fractionate particles based on their size and shape. By coupling AF4 with other techniques, such as fluorescence spectroscopy and multi-angle light scattering, it is possible to determine the binding affinity and stoichiometry of protein-QD interactions. Herein, this approach has been utilized to determine the interaction between fetal bovine serum (FBS) and silicon quantum dots (SiQDs). Unlike metal-containing conventional QDs, SiQDs are highly biocompatible and photostable in nature, making them attractive for a wide range of biomedical applications. In this study, AF4 has provided crucial information on the size and shape of the FBS/SiQD complexes, their elution profile, and their interaction with serum components in real time. The differential scanning microcalorimetric technique has also been employed to monitor the thermodynamic behavior of proteins in the presence of SiQDs. We have investigated their binding mechanisms by incubating them at temperatures below and above the protein denaturation. This study yields various significant characteristics such as their hydrodynamic radius, size distribution, and conformational behavior. The compositions of SiQD and FBS influence the size distribution of their bioconjugates; the size increases by intensifying the concentration of FBS, with their hydrodynamic radii ranging between 150 and 300 nm. The results signify that in the alliance of SiQDs to the system, there is an augmentation of the denaturation point of the proteins and hence their thermal stability, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the interactions between FBS and QDs.

Nano-bio interaction between human immunoglobulin G and nontoxic, near-infrared emitting water-borne silicon quantum dot micelles

In recent years, the field of nanomaterials has exponentially expanded with versatile biological applications. However, one of the roadblocks to their clinical translation is the critical knowledge gap about how the nanomaterials interact with the biological microenvironment (nano-bio interactions). When nanomaterials are used as drug carriers or contrast agents for biological imaging, the nano-bio interaction-mediated protein conformational changes and misfolding could lead to disease-related molecular alterations and/or cell death. Here, we studied the conformation changes of human immunoglobulin G (IgG) upon interaction with silicon quantum dots functionalized with 1-decene, Pluronic-F127 (SiQD-De/F127 micelles) using UV-visible, fluorescence steady state and excited state kinetics, circular dichroism, and molecular modeling. Decene monolayer terminated SiQDs are accumulated inside the Pluronic F127 shells to form SiQD-De/F127 micelles and were shown to bind strongly with IgG. In addition, biological evaluation studies in cell lines (HeLa, Fibroblast) and medaka fish (eggs and larvae) showed enhanced uptake and minimal cytotoxicity. Our results substantiate that engineered QDs obviating the protein conformational changes could have adept bioefficacy.

Impact of coherent core/shell architecture on fast response in InP-based quantum dot photodiodes

Solution-processed, cadmium-free quantum dot (QD) photodiodes are compatible with printable optoelectronics and are regarded as a potential candidate for wavelength-selective optical sensing. However, a slow response time resulting from low carrier mobility and a poor dissociation of charge carriers in the optically active layer has hampered the development of the QD photodiodes with nontoxic device constituents. Herein, we report the first InP-based photodiode with a multilayer device architecture, working in photovoltaic mode in photodiode circuits. The photodiode showed the fastest response speed with rising and falling times of τ _r = 4 ms and τ _f = 9 ms at a voltage bias of 0 V at room temperature in ambient air among the Cd-free photodiodes. The single-digit millisecond photo responses were realized by efficient transportation of the photogenerated carriers in the optically active layer resulting from coherent InP/ZnS core/shell QD structure, fast separation of electron and hole pairs at the interface between QD and Al-doped ZnO layers, and optimized conditions for uniform deposition of each thin film. The results suggested the versatility of coherent core/shell QDs as a photosensitive layer, whose structures allow various semiconductor combinations without lattice mismatch considerations, towards fast response, high on/off ratios, and spectrally tunable optical sensing.

Postproduction Approach to Enhance the External Quantum Efficiency for Red Light-Emitting Diodes Based on Silicon Nanocrystals

Despite bulk crystals of silicon (Si) being indirect bandgap semiconductors, their quantum dots (QDs) exhibit the superior photoluminescence (PL) properties including high quantum yield (PLQY > 50%) and spectral tunability in a broad wavelength range. Nevertheless, their low optical absorbance character inhibits the bright emission from the SiQDs for phosphor-type light emitting diodes (LEDs). In contrast, a strong electroluminescence is potentially given by serving SiQDs as an emissive layer of current-driven LEDs with (Si-QLEDs) because the charged carriers are supplied from electrodes unlike absorption of light. Herein, we report that the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of Si-QLED was enhanced up to 12.2% by postproduction effect which induced by continuously applied voltage at 5 V for 9 h. The active layer consisted of SiQDs with a diameter of 2.0 nm. Observation of the cross-section of the multilayer QLEDs device revealed that the interparticle distance between adjacent SiQDs in the emissive layer is reduced to 0.95 nm from 1.54 nm by “post-electric-annealing”. The shortened distance was effective in promoting charge injection into the emission layer, leading improvement of the EQE.

Generating Lifetime-Enhanced Microbubbles by Decorating Shells with Silicon Quantum Nano-Dots Using a 3-Series T-Junction Microfluidic Device

Long-term stability of microbubbles is crucial to their effectiveness. Using a new microfluidic device connecting three T-junction channels of 100 μm in series, stable monodisperse SiQD-loaded bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein microbubbles down to 22.8 ± 1.4 μm in diameter were generated. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed the integration of SiQD on the microbubble surface, which retained the same morphology as those without SiQD. The microbubble diameter and stability in air were manipulated through appropriate selection of T-junction numbers, capillary diameter, liquid flow rate, and BSA and SiQD concentrations. A predictive computational model was developed from the experimental data, and the number of T-junctions was incorporated into this model as one of the variables. It was illustrated that the diameter of the monodisperse microbubbles generated can be tailored by combining up to three T-junctions in series, while the operating parameters were kept constant. Computational modeling of microbubble diameter and stability agreed with experimental data. The lifetime of microbubbles increased with increasing T-junction number and higher concentrations of BSA and SiQD. The present research sheds light on a potential new route employing SiQD and triple T-junctions to form stable, monodisperse, multi-layered, and well-characterized protein and quantum dot-loaded protein microbubbles with enhanced stability for the first time.

Impact of bismuth-doping on enhanced radiative recombination in lead-free double-perovskite nanocrystals

Lead-free double-perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have received considerable attention as promising candidates for environmentally friendly optical applications. Furthermore, double-perovskite nanostructures are known to be physically stable compared to most other inorganic halide perovskites, with a generic chemical formula of ABX₃ (e.g., A = Cs⁺; B = Sn²⁺ or Ge²⁺; X = Cl^-, Br^-, I^-, or their combination). However, relevant experimental studies on the photophysical properties are still insufficient for Pb-free double-perovskite NCs. Herein, we synthesized Cs₂Ag_0.65Na_0.35InCl₆ NCs doped with bismuth (Bi³⁺) ions and investigated their photophysical properties to reveal the role of the dopant on the enhanced photoemission properties. Specifically, it was found that the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) increased up to 33.2% by 2% Bi-doping. The optical bandgap of the NCs decreased from 3.47 eV to 3.41 eV as the amount of the dopant increased from 2% to 15%. To find out the effect of Bi-doping, the temperature-dependent PL properties of the undoped and doped NCs were investigated by utilizing steady-state and time-resolved PL spectroscopy. With increasing the temperature from 20 K to 300 K, the PL intensities of the doped NCs decreased slower than the undoped ones. The correlated average PL lifetimes of both the bismuth-doped and undoped NCs decreased with increasing the temperature. The experimental results revealed that all the NC samples showed thermal quenching with the temperature increasing, and the PL quenching was suppressed in bismuth-doped NCs.

Coherent InP/ZnS core@shell quantum dots with narrow-band green emissions

We report, for the first time, that the coherent growth of zinc sulfide (ZnS) on a colloidal indium phosphide (InP) quantum dot (QD) yields a InP/ZnS core/shell structure with a single lattice constant of 0.563 nm. Compared to the bulk crystal of zinc-blend (cubic) InP, the lattice of the core QD is compressed by 4.1%. In contrast, the lattice of the shell expands by 4.1% relative to the bulky ZnS crystal throughout the core/shell QD if the shell is thinner than or equal to 0.81 nm and the diameter of the core QD is smaller than 2.64 nm. Under these conditions, the bandgap of the core QD increases, resulting in a blueshift of absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The PL peak is centered at 523 nm. Furthermore, the PL quantum yield is enhanced up to 70% and the PL bandwidth narrows to 36 nm based on the strengthened quantum confinement effect. The temperature dependence of the PL properties is investigated to discuss the effect of the core/shell lattice coherency on the improved PL performances.

Photosensitizer Encryption with Aggregation Enhanced Singlet Oxygen Production

Chromophores that generate singlet oxygen (¹O₂) in water are essential to developing noninvasive disease treatments using photodynamic therapy (PDT). A facile approach for formation of stable colloidal nanoparticles of ¹O₂ photosensitizers, which exhibit aggregation enhanced ¹O₂ generation in water toward applications as PDT agents, is reported. Chromophore encryption within a fuchsonarene macrocyclic scaffold insulates the photosensitizer from aggregation induced deactivation pathways, enabling a higher chromophore density than typical ¹O₂ generating nanoparticles. Aggregation enhanced ¹O₂ generation in water is observed, and variation in molecular structure allows for regulation of the physical properties of the nanoparticles which ultimately affects the ¹O₂ generation. In vitro activity and the ability of the particles to pass through the cell membrane into the cytoplasm is demonstrated using confocal fluorescence microscopy with HeLa cells. Photosensitizer encryption in rigid macrocycles, such as fuchsonarenes, offers new prospects for the production of biocompatible nanoarchitectures for applications involving ¹O₂ generation.

Water-Soluble Silicon Quantum Dots toward Fluorescence-Guided Photothermal Nanotherapy

We report carboxy-terminated silicon quantum dots (SiQDs) that exhibit high solubility in water due to the high molecular coverage of surface monolayers, bright light emission with high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs), long-term stability in the PL property for monitoring cells, less toxicity to the cells, and a high photothermal response. We prepared water-soluble SiQDs by the thermal hydrosilylation of 10-undecenoic acid on their hydrogen-terminated surfaces, provided by the thermal disproportionation of triethoxysilane hydrolyzed at pH 3 and subsequent hydrofluoric etching. The 10-undecanoic acid-functionalized SiQDs (UA:SiQDs) showed long-term stability in hydrophilic solvents including ethanol and water (pH 7). We assess their interaction with live cells by means of cellular uptake, short-term toxicity, and, for the first time, long-term cytotoxicity. Results show that UA:SiQDs are potential candidates for theranostics, with their good optical properties enabling imaging for more than 18 days and a photothermal response having a 25.1% photothermal conversion efficiency together with the direct evidence of cell death by laser irradiation. UA:SiQDs have low cytotoxicity with full viability of up to 400 μg/mL for the short term and a 50% cell viability value after 14 days of incubation at a 50 μg/mL concentration.

Phosphatidylcholine-mediated regulation of growth kinetics for colloidal synthesis of cesium tin halide nanocrystals

Cesium tin halide (CsSnX₃, where X is halogen) perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) are one of the most representative alternatives to their lead-based cousins. However, a fundamental understanding of how to regulate the growth kinetics of colloidal CsSnX₃ NCs is still lacking and, specifically, the role of surfactants in affecting their growth kinetics remains incompletely understood. Here we report a general approach for colloidal synthesis of CsSnX₃ perovskite NCs through a judicious combination of capping agents. We demonstrate that introducing a small amount of zwitterionic phosphatidylcholine in the reaction is of vital importance for regulating the growth kinetics of CsSnX₃ NCs, which otherwise merely leads to the formation of large-sized powders. Based on a range of experimental characterization, we propose that the formation of intermediate complexes between zwitterionic phosphatidylcholine and the precursors and the steric hindrance effect of branched fatty acid side-chains of phosphatidylcholine can regulate the growth kinetics of CsSnX₃, which enables us to obtain CsSnX₃ NCs with emission quantum yields among the highest values ever reported. Our finding of using zwitterionic capping agents to regulate the growth kinetics may inspire more research on the synthesis of high-quality tin-based perovskite NCs that could speed up their practical applications in optoelectronic devices.

Theory-Guided Synthesis of Highly Luminescent Colloidal Cesium Tin Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals

The synthesis of highly luminescent colloidal CsSnX₃ (X = halogen) perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) remains a long-standing challenge due to the lack of a fundamental understanding of how to rationally suppress the formation of structural defects that significantly influence the radiative carrier recombination processes. Here, we develop a theory-guided, general synthetic concept for highly luminescent CsSnX₃ NCs. Guided by density functional theory calculations and molecular dynamics simulations, we predict that, although there is an opposing trend in the chemical potential-dependent formation energies of various defects, highly luminescent CsSnI₃ NCs with narrow emission could be obtained through decreasing the density of tin vacancies. We then develop a colloidal synthesis strategy that allows for rational fine-tuning of the reactant ratio in a wide range but still leads to the formation of CsSnI₃ NCs. By judiciously adopting a tin-rich reaction condition, we obtain narrow-band-emissive CsSnI₃ NCs with a record emission quantum yield of 18.4%, which is over 50 times larger than those previously reported. Systematic surface-state characterizations reveal that these NCs possess a Cs/I-lean surface and are capped with a low density of organic ligands, making them an excellent candidate for optoelectronic devices without any postsynthesis ligand management. We showcase the generalizability of our concept by further demonstrating the synthesis of highly luminescent CsSnI_2.5Br_0.5 and CsSnI_2.25Br_0.75 NCs. Our findings not only highlight the value of computation in guiding the synthesis of high-quality colloidal perovskite NCs but also could stimulate intense efforts on tin-based perovskite NCs and accelerate their potential applications in a range of high-performance optoelectronic devices.

Emerging Atomic Energy Levels in Zero-Dimensional Silicon Quantum Dots

Driven by the emergence of colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) of tunable emission wavelengths, characteristic of exciton absorption peaks, outstanding photostability and solution processability in device fabrication have become a key tool in the development of nanomedicine and optoelectronics. Diamond cubic crystalline silicon (Si) QDs, with a diameter larger than 2 nm, terminated with hydrogen atoms are known to exhibit bulk-inherited spin and valley properties. Herein, we demonstrate a newly discovered size region of Si QDs, in which a fast radiative recombination on the order of hundreds of picoseconds is responsible for photoluminescence (PL). Despite retaining a crystallographic structure like the bulk, controlling their diameters in the 1.1-1.7 nm range realizes the strong PL with continuous spectral tunability in the 530-580 nm window, the narrow spectral line widths without emission tails, and the fast relaxation of photogenerated carriers. In contrast, QDs with diameters greater than 1.8 nm display the decay times on the microsecond order as well as the previous Si QDs. In addition to the five-orders-of-magnitude variation in the PL decay time, a systematic study on the temperature dependence of PL properties suggests that the energy structure of the smaller QDs does not retain an indirect band gap character. It is discussed that a 1.7 nm diameter is critical to undergo changes in energy structure from bulky to molecular configurations.

High Aspect Ratio and Post-Processing Free Silver Nanowires as Top Electrodes for Inverted-Structured Photodiodes

Silver nanowires (Ag NWs) as transparent conducting electrodes are widely used in many applications such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), polymer light-emitting diodes, touch screens, solar cells, and transparent heaters. In this work, using a large-scale synthesis, the synthesized Ag NWs had a high aspect ratio of 2820. The Ag NWs could be applied as a top transparent electrode in a device by simple drop-casting without any post-processing steps. The fabricated device comprised 4,4'-bis(carbazol-9-yl)biphenyl/MoO3 organic/inorganic layers which are parts of the inverted structure OLEDs or solar cells. The photodiode characteristics at the UV range were observed in the device. The ability of Ag NWs to replace opaque metals as top electrodes in a device has been demonstrated.

Molecular interaction of silicon quantum dot micelles with plasma proteins: hemoglobin and thrombin

Protein conformational changes are associated with potential cytotoxicity upon interaction with small molecules or nanomaterials. Protein misfolding leads to protein-mediated diseases; thus, it is important to study the conformational changes in proteins using nanoparticles as drug carriers. In this study, the conformational changes in hemoglobin and thrombin were observed using fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy and molecular modelling studies after interaction with non-toxic, water-soluble near-infrared silicon quantum dot micelles. The molecular docking results indicated that the binding affinities of hemoglobin and thrombin with Si QD micelles are good. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations were performed to obtain more detailed information.

Overall graphical representation of 1-decene, F-127, and crystal structures of hemoglobin and thrombin.

Recent advances on fluorescent biomarkers of near-infrared quantum dots for in vitro and in vivo imaging

Luminescence probe has been broadly used for bio-imaging applications. Among them, near-infrared (NIR) quantum dots (QDs) are more attractive due to minimal tissue absorbance and larger penetration depth. Above said reasons allowed whole animal imaging without slice scan or dissection. This review describes in vitro and in vivo imaging of NIR QDs in the regions of 650-900 nm (NIR-I) and 1000-1450 nm (NIR-II). Also, we summarize the recent progress in bio-imaging and discuss the future trends of NIR QDs including group II-VI, IV-VI, I-VI, I-III-VI, III-V, and IV semiconductors.

Transparent functional nanocomposite films based on octahedral metal clusters: synthesis by electrophoretic deposition process and characterization

Transparent optical thin films have recently attracted a growing interest for functional window applications. In this study, highly visible transparent nanocomposite films with ultraviolet (UV)-near-infrared (NIR)-blocking capabilities are reported. Such films, composed of Mo6 and Nb6 octahedral metal atom clusters (MC) and polymethylmethacrylate polymer (PMMA), were prepared by electrophoretic deposition on indium tin oxide-coated glass (ITO glass). PMMA was found to improve both the chemical and physical stability of Mo6 and Nb6 MCs, resulting in a relatively homogeneous distribution of the clusters within the PMMA matrix, as seen by microstructural observations. The optical absorption spectrum of these transparent MC@polymer nanocomposite films was marked by contributions from their Mo6 and Nb6-based clusters (absorption in the UV range) and from the ITO layer on silica glass (absorption in the NIR range). Mo6@PMMA nanocomposite films also exhibited excellent photoluminescence properties, which were preserved even after exposure to 50°C at a relative humidity of 70% for one month. These films cumulate high transparency in the visible range with remarkable UV-NIR blocking properties and represent interesting candidates for functional glass application.

Fabrication and H2-Sensing Properties of SnO2 Nanosheet Gas Sensors

Vertically formed and well-defined SnO₂ nanosheets are easy to fabricate, involving only a single process that is performed under moderate conditions. In this study, two different sizes of a SnO₂ nanosheet were concurrently formed on a Pt interdigitated electrode chip, with interconnections between the two. As the SnO₂ nanosheets were grown over time, the interconnections became stronger. The ability of the fabricated SnO₂ nanosheets to sense H₂ gas was evaluated in terms of the variation in their resistance. The resistance of a SnO₂ nanosheet decreased with the introduction of H₂ gas and returned to its initial level after the H₂ gas was replaced with air. Also, the response-recovery behaviors were improved as a result of the growth of the SnO₂ nanosheets owing to the presence of many reaction sites and strong interconnections, which may provide multipassages for the electron transfer channel, leading to the acceleration of the reaction between the H₂ gas and SnO₂ nanosheets.

Inverted Device Architecture for Enhanced Performance of Flexible Silicon Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diode

Here we report for the first time highly flexible quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs), in which a layer of red-emitting colloidal silicon quantum dots (SiQDs) works as the optically active component, by replacing a rigid glass substrate with a thin sheet of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The enhanced optical performance for electroluminescence (EL) at room temperature in air is achieved by taking advantage of the inverted device structure. Our QLEDs do not exhibit parasitic EL emissions from the neighboring compositional layers or surface states of QDs over a wide range of driving voltages and do not exhibit a shift in the EL peak position as the operational voltage increases. Compared to the previous Si-QLEDs with a conventional device structure, our QLED has a longer device operational lifetime and a long-lived EQE value. The currently obtained brightness (∼5000 cd/m²), the 3.1% external quantum efficiency (EQE), and a turn-on voltage as low as 3.5 V are sufficiently high to encourage further developments of Si-QLEDs.

Transition-Metal-Doped NIR-Emitting Silicon Nanocrystals

Impurity-doping in nanocrystals significantly affects their electronic properties and diversifies their applications. Herein, we report the synthesis of transition metal (Mn, Ni, Co, Cu)-doped oleophilic silicon nanocrystals (SiNCs) through hydrolysis/polymerization of triethoxysilane with acidic aqueous metal salt solutions, followed by thermal disproportionation of the resulting gel into a doped-Si/SiO2 composite that, upon HF etching and hydrosilylation with 1-n-octadecene, produces free-standing octadecyl-capped doped SiNCs (diameter≈3 to 8 nm; dopant <0.2 atom %). Metal-doping triggers a red-shift of the SiNC photoluminescence (PL) of up to 270 nm, while maintaining high PL quantum yield (26 % for Co doping).

A one-pot synthesis of water soluble highly fluorescent silica nanoparticles

We report a one-pot synthesis of water dispersible fluorescent silica nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with terminal amine groups, starting from silicon tetrabromide (SiBr₄) and aminopropyltriethoxy silane (APTES).

Functional double-shelled silicon nanocrystals for two-photon fluorescence cell imaging: spectral evolution and tuning

Functional near-IR (NIR) emitting nanoparticles (NPs) adapted for two-photon excitation fluorescence cell imaging were obtained starting from octadecyl-terminated silicon nanocrystals (ncSi-OD) of narrow photoluminescence (PL) spectra having no long emission tails, continuously tunable over the 700-1000 nm window, PL quantum yields exceeding 30%, and PL lifetimes of 300 μs or longer. These NPs, consisting of a Pluronic F127 shell and a core made up of assembled ncSi-OD kept apart by an octadecyl (OD) layer, were readily internalized into the cytosol, but not the nucleus, of NIH3T3 cells and were non-toxic. Asymmetrical field-flow fractionation (AF4) analysis was carried out to determine the size of the NPs in water. HiLyte Fluor 750 amine was linked via an amide link to NPs prepared with Pluronic-F127-COOH, as a first demonstration of functional NIR-emitting water dispersible ncSi-based nanoparticles.

Formation and optical properties of fluorescent gold nanoparticles obtained by matrix sputtering method with volatile mercaptan molecules in the vacuum chamber and consideration of their structures

This paper proposes a novel methodology to synthesize highly fluorescent gold nanoparticles (NPs) with a maximum quantum yield of 16%, in the near-infrared (IR) region. This work discusses the results of using our (previously developed) matrix sputtering method to introduce mercaptan molecules, α-thioglycerol, inside the vacuum sputtering chamber, during the synthesis of metal NPs. The evaporation of α-thioglycerol inside the chamber enables to coordinate to the "nucleation stage" very small gold nanoclusters in the gas phase, thus retaining their photophysical characteristics. As observed through transmission electron microscopy, the size of the Au NPs obtained with the addition of α-thioglycerol varied from approximately 2-3 nm to approximately 5 nm. Plasmon absorption varied with the size of the resultant nanoparticles. Thus, plasmon absorption was observed at 2.4 eV in the larger NPs. However, it was not observed, and instead a new peak was found at approximately 3.4 eV, in the smaller NPs that resulted from the introduction of α-thioglycerol. The Au NPs stabilized by the α-thioglycerol fluoresced at approximately 1.8 eV, and the maximum wavelength shifted toward the red, in accordance with the size of the NPs. A maximum fluorescent quantum yield of 16% was realized under the optimum conditions, and this value is extremely high compared to values previously reported on gold NPs and clusters (generally ∼1%). To our knowledge, however, Au NPs of size >2 nm usually do not show strong fluorescence. By comparison with results reported in previous literature, it was concluded that these highly fluorescent Au NPs consist of gold-mercaptan complexes. The novel method presented in this paper therefore opens a new door for the effective control of size, photophysical characteristics, and structure of metal NPs. It is hoped that this research contributes significantly to the science in this field.

Reductant-free colloidal synthesis of near-IR emitting germanium nanocrystals: role of primary amine

High temperature colloidal synthesis without using hazardous reducing agent is demonstrated here to develop a straight forward pathway for synthesizing near-IR (NIR) light emitting germanium nanocrystals (Ge NCs). The NCs were prepared by heating a mixture of germanium (II) iodide and organoamine. This article presents an important role of the primary amine which serves as a reducing agent as well as an inhibitor against oxidation by comparing with the tertiary amine. Interestingly, the difference in chemical reactivity between each amine causes the difference in major structural phase of the products. An efficient route to produce NIR light emitting Ge NCs is demonstrated.

Monolayer formation of luminescent germanium nanoparticles on silica surface in aqueous buffer solution

The present paper reports monolayer formation of germanium nanoparticles (Ge NPs) on silica substrate. The NPs were prepared by hydride reduction of GeCl4, which is encapsulated with an inverse micelle of dimethyldioctylammonium bromide, with lithium aluminum hydride, and subsequent hydrogermylation of allylamine in the presence of platinum catalyst. The resultant NPs showed the blue photoluminescence property. Due to the terminal amine, the NPs were soluble highly in aqueous buffer solution. To fabricate a monolayer of Ge NPs, the chemical reactivity of the NPs was studied using a multi-functional microarray in which different kinds of siloxane monolayers were periodically aligned on a silica substrate. We observed using fluorescence microscope whether the terminal amines of the NPs recognize the specific monolayers in the microarray. In terms of fluorescence observation, the entire surface of the monolayer-covered microsize-domains emits uniformly the blue light. This suggests a high degree of coverage of the luminescent NPs covering over the monolayer regions in the microarray, and implies the non-occurrence of quenching through energy transfer between adjacent NPs.

Colloidal silicon quantum dots: synthesis and luminescence tuning from the near-UV to the near-IR range

This review describes a series of representative synthesis processes, which have been developed in the last two decades to prepare silicon quantum dots (QDs). The methods include both top-down and bottom-up approaches, and their methodological advantages and disadvantages are presented. Considerable efforts in surface functionalization of QDs have categorized it into (i) a two-step process and (ii) in situ surface derivatization. Photophysical properties of QDs are summarized to highlight the continuous tuning of photoluminescence color from the near-UV through visible to the near-IR range. The emission features strongly depend on the silicon nanostructures including QD surface configurations. Possible mechanisms of photoluminescence have been summarized to ascertain the future challenges toward industrial use of silicon-based light emitters.

Size-dependent color tuning of efficiently luminescent germanium nanoparticles

It is revealed that rigorous control of the size and surface of germanium nanoparticles allows fine color tuning of efficient fluorescence emission in the visible region. The spectral line widths of each emission were very narrow (<500 meV). Furthermore, the absolute fluorescence quantum yields of each emission were estimated to be 4-15%, which are high enough to be used as fluorescent labeling tags. In this study, a violet-light-emitting nanoparticle is demonstrated to be a new family of luminescent Ge. Such superior properties of fluorescence were observed from the fractions separated from one mother Ge nanoparticle sample by the fluorescent color using our developed combinatorial column technique. It is commonly believed that a broad spectral line width frequently observed from Ge nanoparticle appears because of an indirect band gap nature inherited even in nanostructures, but the present study argues that such a broad luminescence spectrum is expressed as an ensemble of different spectral lines and can be separated into the fractions emitting light in each wavelength region by the appropriate postsynthesis process.

Efficient Dual-Modal NIR-to-NIR Emission of Rare Earth Ions Co-doped Nanocrystals for Biological Fluorescence Imaging

A novel approach has been developed for the realization of efficient near-infrared to near-infrared (NIR-to-NIR) upconversion and down-shifting emission in nanophosphors. The efficient dual-modal NIR-to-NIR emission is realized in a β-NaGdF4/Nd(3+)@NaGdF4/Tm(3+)-Yb(3+) core-shell nanocrystal by careful control of the identity and concentration of the doped rare earth (RE) ion species and by manipulation of the spatial distributions of these RE ions. The photoluminescence results reveal that the emission efficiency increases at least 2-fold when comparing the materials synthesized in this study with those synthesized through traditional approaches. Hence, these core-shell structured nanocrystals with novel excitation and emission behaviors enable us to obtain tissue fluorescence imaging by detecting the upconverted and down-shifted photoluminescence from Tm(3+) and Nd(3+) ions, respectively. The reported approach thus provides a new route for the realization of high-yield emission from RE ion doped nanocrystals, which could prove to be useful for the design of optical materials containing other optically active centers.

Solvent-free luminescent organic liquids

Illuminating! Isolation of a π-core by covalently attached flexible hydrocarbon chains has been employed to synthesize blue-emitting oligo(p-phenylenevinylene) (OPV) liquids with tunable viscosity and optical properties. A solvent-free, stable, white-light emitting ink/paint, which can be applied onto various surfaces and even onto LEDs, was made by blending of liquid OPVs with emissive solid dopants.

Colloidal Si nanocrystals: a controlled organic-inorganic interface and its implications of color-tuning and chemical design toward sophisticated architectures

The optical use of colloidal silicon nanocrystals (Si NCs) has gained increasing attention for its possible contributions to building a sustainable society that ideally uses resources and energy with high efficiency without causing damage to the environment or human health. Si wafers (E(g) ≈ 1.1 eV) dominate modern microelectronics as an impressive electronic material, but they exhibit relatively poor optical performance owing to an indirect bandgap structure. Interestingly, however, full control of the size distribution and surface chemistry of the NCs yields size-dependent light emission in a very wide range from near-ultraviolet through visible to near-infrared wavelengths. In addition to such unique luminescence properties, Si exhibits a high chemical affinity to covalent linkages with carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen, thereby producing almost unlimited variations in organic-Si NCs architectures hybridized at the molecular level. To achieve this goal, I note some parameters, including interfacial chemistry, that are emerging as important elements for increasing our understanding of the effect of quantum confinement in nanostructured Si and for realizing efficient fluorescence emission. This article covers new aspects of derivatives of Si NCs in applications that utilize their optical absorption and emission features.

Photoluminescence, cytotoxicity and in vitro imaging of hexagonal terbium phosphate nanoparticles doped with europium

Luminescent TbPO4 nanoparticles were synthesized via a citric-acid-mediated hydrothermal route. Eu3+ doping of TbPO4 enables an efficient Tb3+-to-Eu3+ energy transfer, leading to a four-fold increase of the absolute emission quantum yield (QY), compared to that of undoped TbPO4. To check the potential of biological use, we conducted in vitro biological experiments on human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells incubated with TbPO4:Eu nanoparticles. TbPO4:Eu nanoparticles can be successfully internalized into the cells, and they show bright intracellular luminescence and very low cytotoxicity. Photoluminescence intensity dependence upon time demonstrates that Eu3+-doped TbPO4 nanoparticles are highly resistant to photobleaching. Our present work represents a demonstration of the use of rare-earth-based nanocrystals as a biological labeling agent because they combine several advantages including high emission quantum yield, long luminescence lifetime, low cytotoxicity and high photostability.

Ultrabroad near-infrared photoluminescence from ionic liquids containing subvalent bismuth

We have shown that Lewis-acidic halogenoaluminate ionic liquid (IL) containing subvalent bismuth can be used as a near-IR (NIR) luminescent material. Raman and absorption spectra evidence the coexistence of Bi(5)(3+) and Bi(+) in the liquid. The Bi(5)(3+) and Bi(+) emitters, stabilized by this Lewis-acidic liquid, demonstrate ultrabroad NIR photoluminescence with a lifetime of around 1 μs. We envisage that the bismuth activated ILs would not only enrich the well-established spectrum of soft luminescent materials but also might promote the design of novel photonic materials activated by other p-block elements.

An efficient and biocompatible fluorescence resonance energy transfer system based on lanthanide-doped nanoparticles

This work demonstrates an efficient and bio-friendly fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) system based on lanthanide-doped inorganic nanoparticles. A facile aqueous route was used to synthesize the CePO(4):Tb nanorods with homogeneous colloidal dispersion, which emits a bright green light with a high quantum yield (∼0.36) and a long fluorescence lifetime (∼3.50 ms) upon UV excitation. Upon treatment of CePO(4):Tb with aqueous Rhodamine B (RhB), an efficient FRET occurs from the Tb(3+) to the RhB molecules, giving rise to well resolved and ratiometric emissions of donors and acceptors, respectively, with an energy transfer efficiency of up to 0.85. When incubated with HeLa cells at 37 °C, the CePO(4):Tb treated with RhB shows bright intracellular luminescence, indicating that it can be successfully internalized inside the cells and the FRET remains in the living cells. Moreover, the cytotoxic measurements demonstrate good biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity of our present FRET system. The advantages presented above including high quantum yield of donors, high energy transfer efficiency, ratiometric fluorescent emission and good biocompatibility, indicate the high potential of the CePO(4):Tb/RhB FRET system for monitoring biological events.

Fluorescent sensing of colloidal CePO4:Tb nanorods for rapid, ultrasensitive and selective detection of vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential biological molecule for living organisms. The detection of vitamin C is always required due to its wide use in chemical, biological and pharmaceutical engineering. Here, we established a novel sensing system for rapid, ultrasensitive and highly selective detection of vitamin C based on a 'turn-on' fluorescent method. The turn-on fluorescent sensing system was built up of a colloidal CePO(4):Tb nanocrystalline solution with its fluorescence quenched by KMnO(4). The addition of vitamin C leads to a linear increase of fluorescence. The sensing principle of nanocrystalline CePO(4):Tb is based on a redox reaction via simply modulating the surface chemistry of nanocrystals. Our present sensing system for vitamin C exhibits a rapid response rate of less than 2 min, and highly selective and ultrasensitive detection with a detection limit of 108 nM, which is two orders of magnitude lower than that acquired by previously reported methods. The repeated reversibility of fluorescence quenching/recovery with time revealed a high reproducibility and long-term stability of our sensing materials. Furthermore, our developed sensing material overcomes the disadvantages such as complex surface modification/immobilization and serious biotoxicity compared to quantum-dot-based fluorescent sensing systems.

Near-infrared photoluminescence and Raman characterization of bismuth-embedded sodalite nanocrystals

Ultrabroadband near-IR (NIR) emission has been realized in bismuth-embedded sodalite nanocrystals. Steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence and Raman results suggest that Bi(+) active centers contribute to the NIR emission. This study demonstrates that sodalite nanocrystals can serve as excellent hosts for bismuth NIR active centers, thus paving the way for their wide applications in nanophotonics.