Semiconductor Quantum Dots

The fi eld of nanotechnology is growing. The tunability of nano-objects such as semiconductor quantum dots (SQDs) has spurred interest in chemical synthesis. In this regard, this book’s arrival is timely. It groups the various synthesis techniques for popular SQDs, comprised of 295 pages distributed among seven chapters and a comprehensive subject index. Preparation methods for II–VI, II–V, and IV–VI SQDs are described in the fi rst three chapters. The fi rst chapter introduces and develops various organometallic routes to the synthesis of Zn and Hg chalcogenides and anisotropic growth of Cd-based chalcogenides such as tetrapods and their alloys. Properties of Group III phosphides, nitrides, arsenides, and antimonides, which have different optical properties compared to II–VI semiconductors, are discussed in chapter 2. This chapter also reviews the tuning of SQD properties via dehalosilylation reactions and non-coordinating solvent routes. It is shown that the quantum yield can be increased by varying precursors and their quantities. Anisotropic nanoparticles with rod-like morphologies have also been examined in terms of challenges faced during their synthesis. Lead-based chalcogenide properties and synthesis routes are outlined in chapter 3. Chapter 4 deals with the synthesis of other chalcogenides and pnictide-based materials. Ternary copper-based chalcogenide core–shell and II3-V2 quantum dots include CuInSe2 and Cd3P2, respectively, among many others. Chapter 5 discusses surface passivation by means of synthesizing an inorganic capping layer or a core– shell structure. This thorough chapter is of fundamental and practical interest. It describes Type I and Type II core shells and multiple shell structures targeting a higher quantum yield. There are also sections relating to III–V and IV–VI core–shell structures. Chapter 6 unfolds ligand chemistry and the purpose of ligands in shaping the nanoparticles. Chapter 7 describes the role that the capping agent or the surfactant plays in terms of its linkable functional moieties. Various surfactants have been brought to the reader’s attention, namely amines and thiols, among others, along with surfactant exchanges based upon them. The book also covers “green chemistry” synthesis aspects of SQDs and the use of biological molecules as capping agents, viz., DNA. Consideration is given to the toxicity of the solvents and the search for phosphine-free systems. Overall, the book is eye-catching with ample illustrations and interesting, as the chapter sequence is well conceived. Moreover, every chapter brings something new to the reader accompanied by historical facts pertaining to various SQD syntheses. As the book is clearly subtitled “synthesis” and is dedicated to organometallic and inorganic synthesis, it would be most suited to synthetic chemists. However, the physical properties of various SQDs also are well illustrated, and this volume is therefore of some interest to materials scientists and nanotechnologists. -- Protima Rauwel * MRS Bulletin *