Entropic Ligands for Nanocrystals: From Unexpected Solution Properties to Outstanding Processability

Abstract

Solution processability of nanocrystals coated with a stable monolayer of organic ligands (nanocrystal-ligands complexes) is the starting point for their applications, which is commonly measured by their solubility in media. A model described in the other report (10.1021/acs.nanolett.6b00737) reveals that instead of offering steric barrier between inorganic cores, it is the rotation/bending entropy of the C-C σ bonds within typical organic ligands that exponentially enhances solubility of the complexes in solution. Dramatic ligand chain-length effects on the solubility of CdSe-n-alkanoates complexes shall further reveal the power of the model. Subsequently, "entropic ligands" are introduced to maximize the intramolecular entropic effects, which increases solubility of various nanocrystals by 10(2)-10(6). Entropic ligands can further offer means to greatly improve performance of nanocrystals-based electronic and optoelectronic devices.

DNA damage in BV‐2 cells: An important supplement to the neurotoxicity of CdTe quantum dots

“…This finding means that GSH prevents the combination of QDs with other functional molecules in the cell through competitive binding. Furthermore, according to Yang et al's theory (Yang et al, ; Yang, Qin, & Peng, ), the combination of GSH and QDs increase the length of the surface ligand, the shell thickness and the particle size. All of these factors lead to a reduction in the water solubility of the QDs; the QDs lose their nanosized and colloidal properties, and they become easier to identify and remove.…”

All Inorganic Halide Perovskites Nanosystem: Synthesis, Structural Features, Optical Properties and Optoelectronic Applications

“…Recently, Peng's group found that the interaction between long chain surfactants reduces the dispersity. A strategy to increase the dispersion concentration while keeping the stability was put forward based on the modulation of system entropy . Finally, the concentration can be as high as ≈1 g mL −1 .…”

Synthesis of single-crystal hyperbranched rhodium nanoplates with remarkable catalytic properties

“…These two main effects (i.e., high viscosity and large steric barrier) provided the solvent with a low diffusion coefficient for the growth units, thereby favoring the formation of the hyperbranched structure. As recently described by Peng and co-workers [55], utilization of branched organic molecules can significantly reduce the steric barrier. Thus, it is reasonable that the diffusion rate of growth units could be adjusted by introducing certain solvents with branched structure, thereby leading to the morphology evolution for the hyperbranched structures.…”

“…As shown in Fig. 3f, when comparing the spectra of pure ODA and the hyperbranched Rh triangle nanoplates with different sizes, a series of peaks were found in the 1350-1180 cm −1 region which were ascribed to the all trans configuration of the -CH 2 -groups in the hydrocarbon chain [55]. However, these peaks were less intense while increasing the volume of TBA, thereby revealing a progressive interruption of the trans configuration.…”