journal article·2025-02Open access

Colloidal Zn‐based Semiconductor Nanocrystals: Recent Advances and Challenges

Chao Li, Shuping Zhang, Yang Yang, Cuifang Wang, Bing Bai, Hsien‐Yi Hsu, Zongyou Yin, Mark A. Buntine, Zongping Shao, Huabin Zhang, Ziyun Wang, Guohua Jia

Advanced Optical Materials· Volume 13· Issue 6

Abstract

Abstract In the past decades, benefitting from the development of synthesis methodology, Cd‐based semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) have been extensively studied and their structure‐dependent properties further inspired diverse applications. However, the high toxicity of Cd in Cd‐based semiconductor NCs significantly limits their widespread applications. Colloidal Zn‐based semiconductor NCs are one of the most promising candidates for Cd‐based semiconductor NCs attributed to their low toxicity, creating high‐band gap systems with excellent optoelectronic properties. Herein, an overview of the synthesis, structure engineering, and optoelectronic applications of colloidal Zn‐based semiconductor NCs are provided. In the first section, the typical growth mechanisms are introduced, including oriented attachment, templated‐assisted growth, and ripening. Then, structure engineering, such as core–shell structure, heterostructure, alloying, and doping, of Zn‐based NCs are summarized. Simultaneously, an insight into various applications related to these structures of Zn‐based NCs are given, including quantum dots light emitting diodes (QLEDs), catalysts, biological‐application, sensors, and solar cells. Finally, although huge progress in both synthesis methodology and applications of colloidal Zn‐based semiconductor NCs have been achieved, some issues still hinder the further development of Zn‐based semiconductor NCs. Then in the last section, it is elaborated on the challenges and provides the possible solutions to tackle these challenges.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Quantum Dots Synthesis And Properties · Chalcogenide Semiconductor Thin Films · Nanocluster Synthesis and Applications

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Key Lab for Special Functional Materials Ministry of Education National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for High‐Efficiency Display and Lighting Technology School of Nanoscience and Materials Engineering Collaborative Innovation Center of Nano Functional Materials and Applications Henan University Kaifeng 475004 China

Institute of Materials Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Conductor Materials Henan Academy of Sciences Zhengzhou Henan 450046 China

State Key Laboratory of Advanced Brazing Filler Metals and Technology Zhengzhou Research Institute of Mechanical Engineering Co Ltd Zhengzhou 450001 China

WA School of Mines: Minerals Energy and Chemical Engineering (WASM‐MECE) Curtin University Perth WA 6102 Australia

School of Energy and Environment and Department of Materials Science and Engineering City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen 518057 P. R. China

Research School of Chemistry The Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia

School of Molecular and Life Sciences Curtin University Perth WA 6102 Australia

Center for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies (CREST) Physical Science and Engineering Division King Abdullah University of Science and Technology Thuwal 23955‐6900 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC) Division of Physical Science and Engineering King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Thuwal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

School of Chemical Sciences The University of Auckland Auckland 1010 New Zealand

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · Australian Research Council

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