nanoparticles
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Abstract
Devising new synthetic routes to nanocrystals (NCs) underpins much of the research activity in this area. Mature synthetic schemes already exist for nanocrystalline noble metals as well as sulfides and selenides of Cd, Pb and Zn. New schemes have therefore focused on synthesising other semiconductors (SCs), in particular avoiding elements generating toxic ions such as Cd, Se and As and avoiding low-availability elements (e.g., In, Te and Ga). Other synthetic schemes have focused on simpler routes, generating tighter distribution of diameters (to aid self-assembly) and dispersing NCs in volatile solvents that are easily processed. Significant attention has been devoted to generating hybrid, heterostructured and multifunctional nanostructures, a new and exciting class of materials. Big strides have been made in harnessing NCs for solar energy generation and in 2010, this area has witnessed a significant upsurge in interest. Noteworthy progress has been made in understanding self-assembly of NCs and new routes and processes continue to be devised.