Photoactive Semiconductor Nanocrystal Quantum Dots

The series Topics in Current Chemistry Collections presents critical reviews from the journal Topics in Current Chemistry organized in topical volumes. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field.

A review of recent advancements in colloidal nanocrystals and quantum-confined nanostructures, Nanocrystal Quantum Dots is the second edition of Semiconductor and Metal Nanocrystals: Synthesis and Electronic and Optical Properties, originally published in 2003. This new title reflects the book’s altered focus on semiconductor nanocrystals. Gathering contributions from leading researchers, this book contains new chapters on carrier multiplication (generation of multiexcitons by single photons), doping of semiconductor nanocrystals, and applications of nanocrystals in biology. Other updates include: New insights regarding the underlying mechanisms supporting colloidal nanocrystal growth A revised general overview of multiexciton phenomena, including spectral and dynamical signatures of multiexcitons in transient absorption and photoluminescence Analysis of nanocrystal-specific features of multiexciton recombination A review of the status of new field of carrier multiplication Expanded coverage of theory, covering the regime of high-charge densities New results on quantum dots of lead chalcogenides, with a focus studies of carrier multiplication and the latest results regarding Schottky junction solar cells Presents useful examples to illustrate applications of nanocrystals in biological labeling, imaging, and diagnostics The book also includes a review of recent progress made in biological applications of colloidal nanocrystals, as well as a comparative analysis of the advantages and limitations of techniques for preparing biocompatible quantum dots. The authors summarize the latest developments in the synthesis and understanding of magnetically doped semiconductor nanocrystals, and they present a detailed discussion of issues related to the synthesis, magneto-optics, and photoluminescence of doped colloidal nanocrystals as well. A valuable addition to the pantheon of literature in the field of nanoscience, this book presents pioneering research from experts whose work has led to the numerous advances of the past several years.

This is the first book to specifically focus on semiconductor nanocrystals, and address their synthesis and assembly, optical properties and spectroscopy, and potential areas of nanocrystal-based devices. The enormous potential of nanoscience to impact on industrial output is now clear. Over the next two decades, much of the science will transfer into new products and processes. One emerging area where this challenge will be very successfully met is the field of semiconductor nanocrystals. Also known as colloidal quantum dots, their unique properties have attracted much attention in the last twenty years.

The vast technological potential of nanocrystalline materials, as well as current intense interest in the physics and chemistry of nanoscale phenomena, has led to explosive growth in research on semiconductor nanocrystals, also known as nanocrystal quantum dots, and metal nanoparticles. Semiconductor and Metal Nanocrystals addresses current topics impacting the field including synthesis and assembly of nanocrystals, theory and spectroscopy of interband and intraband optical transitions, single-nanocrystal optical and tunneling spectroscopies, electrical transport in nanocrystal assemblies, and physical and engineering aspects of nanocrystal-based devices. Written by experts who have contributed pioneering research, this reference comprises key advances in the field of semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots and metal nanoparticles over the past several years. Focusing specifically on nanocrystals generated through chemical techniques, Semiconductor and Metal Nanocrystals Merges investigative frontiers in physics, chemistry, and engineering Documents advances in nanocrystal synthesis and assembly Explores the theory of electronic excitations in nanoscale particles Presents comprehensive information on optical spectroscopy of interband and intraband optical transitions Reviews data on single-nanocrystal optical and tunneling spectroscopies Weighs controversies related to carrier relaxation dynamics in ultrasmall nanoparticles Discusses charge carrier transport in nanocrystal assemblies Provides examples of lasing and photovoltaic nanocrystal-based devices Semiconductor and Metal Nanocrystals is a must read for scientists, engineers, and upper-level undergraduate and graduate students interested in the physics and chemistry of nanoscale semiconductor and metal particles, as well as general nanoscale science. About the Editor: VICTOR I. KLIMOV is Team Leader, Softmatter Nanotechnology and Advanced Spectroscopy Team, Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico. The recipient of the Los Alamos Fellows Prize (2000), he is a Fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, leader of the Nanophotonics and Nanoelectronics Thrust of the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (U.S. Department of Energy), a member of the Los Alamos Board of Governors of the Institute for Complex Adaptive Matter, and a member of the Steering Committee for the Los Alamos Quantum Institute. He received the M.S. (1978), Ph.D. (1981), and Dr. Sci. (1993) degrees from Moscow State University, Russia.

Capturing the most up-to-date research in colloidal quantum dot (CQD) devices, this book is written in an accessible style by the world's leading experts. The application of CQDs in solar cells, photodetectors and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) has developed rapidly over recent years, promising to transform the future of clean energy, communications, and displays. This complete guide to the field provides researchers, students and practitioners alike with everything they need to understand these developments and begin contributing to future applications. Introductory chapters summarise the fundamental physics and chemistry, whilst later chapters review the developments that have propelled the field forwards, systematically working through key device advances. The science of CQD films is explained through the latest physical models of semiconductor transport, trapping and recombination, whilst the engineering of organic and inorganic multilayered materials is shown to have enabled major advances in the brightness and efficiency of CQD LEDs.

Today, the fascinating story of colloidal quantum dots has no series finale yet. Instead, there continue to be advancements in our understanding of the fundamental properties of these nanocrystals, each of these advancements catalyzing a spin-off into a new journey toward potential applications. These remarkable advancements include improving the synthesis techniques, characterizing nanocrystals at the single-particle level, and tailoring their properties for specific applications. The quantum-confined colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals field has witnessed a remarkable convergence of nanoscience, materials chemistry, and spectroscopy, resulting in unprecedented control over their properties. With ongoing research efforts, the potential of semiconductor nanocrystals continues to unfold. Scientists are exploring new materials, developing scalable synthesis methods, and pushing the boundaries of their applications in fields such as quantum computing, energy storage, and biological sensing. The authors take the reader into quantum confinement and quantum dots. While the contents of this primer are rather expansive, they merely scratch the surface of the complex voyage that quantum dot sciences have undergone. The authors have identified vital terminology, valuable concepts, techniques, and applications.

Colloidal Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diodes Explore all the core components for the commercialization of quantum dot light emitting diodes Quantum dot light emitting diodes (QDLEDs) are a technology with the potential to revolutionize solid-state lighting and displays. Due to the many applications of semiconductor nanocrystals, of which QDLEDs are an example, they also hold the potential to be adapted into other emerging semiconducting technologies. As a result, it is critical that the next generation of engineers and materials scientists understand these diodes and their latest developments. Colloidal Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diodes: Materials and Devices offers a comprehensive introduction to this subject and its most recent research advancements. Beginning with a summary of the theoretical foundations and the basic methods for chemically synthesizing colloidal semiconductor quantum dots, it identifies existing and future applications for these groundbreaking technologies. The result is tailored to produce a thorough understanding of this area of research. Colloidal Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diodes readers will also find: An author with decades of experience in the field of organic electronics Detailed discussion of topics including advanced display technologies, the patent portfolio and commercial considerations, and more Strategies and design techniques for improving device performance Colloidal Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diodes is ideal for material scientists, electronics engineers, inorganic and solid-state chemists, solid-state and semiconductor physicists, photochemists, and surface chemists, as well as the libraries that support these professionals.