Colloidal Synthesis of InSb Nanocrystals with Controlled Polymorphism Using Indium and Antimony Amides

We report a new synthetic pathway for growing monodisperse colloidal indium antimonide nanocrystals. We propose that highly reactive element-nitrogen bonded precursors, such as In and Sb amides, may provide required nucleation and growth kinetics for the formation of uniform colloidal nanocrystals of InSb. Size-dependent absorption and emission spectra of InSb nanocrystals in the near-infrared region of 1500–2000 nm point to semiconductor behavior with quantum confinement. Furthermore, we demonstrate zinc blende/wurzite polymorphism and polytypism of InSb nanocrystals, conveniently controlled by the In/Sb molar ratio of precursors. This amide-based synthesis route may open new opportunities for designing near- and mid-IR active III–V semiconductor nanostructures.