Photoluminescent, “ice-cream cone” like Cu–In–(Zn)–S/ZnS nanoheterostructures

Abstract

Copper based ternary and quaternary quantum confined nanostructures have attracted huge attention over recent years due to their potential applications in photonics, photovoltaics, imaging, sensing and other areas. However, anisotropic nanoheterostructures of this type are still poorly explored to date, despite numerous predictions of the distinctive optical properties of these highly fluorescent heavy metal free nanostructures. Here, we report new fluorescent multicomponent Cu–In–(Zn)–S/ZnS nanoheterostructures with a unique anisotropic “ice-cream cone” like morphology. These nanostructures have been prepared with a seeded growth technique and exhibit distinct photophysical properties with maximum emission in the visible range (≈ 640 nm) and long photoluminescence lifetimes (τaverage ≥ 300 ns). In depth time interval studies have been carried out to better understand the step by step growth mechanism of this distinct “ice-cream cone” like geometry. We have demonstrated that the crystal structure evolution from the zinc blende Cu–In–S core to the wurtzite “ice cream cone” like Cu–In–(Zn)–S/ZnS nanocrystals plays a key role in the origin of this morphology. This research opens new possibilities to produce unique fluorescent Cu-based multicomponent anisotropic heteronanostructures, while also offering a distinctive insight into the design of bespoke nanostructures, which could find a range of potential applications.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone as a Stabilizer in Synthesis of AgInS2 Quantum Dots

“…The same trend of reducing the PL intensity was observed in the synthesis of L-glutathione-capped AgInS 2 QDs [ 25 ]. The authors supposed that an excessive ligand concentration might result in the surface distortion, which originates nonradiative defects, reducing PL intensity, while there was no change in PL peak position [ 25 ].…”

“…As the PVP concentration in the solution increased, the passivation efficiency of the QDs' surface was likely to increase, leading to a reduction in non-radiative emission centers [10]. The same trend of reducing the PL intensity was observed in the synthesis of L-glutathione-capped AgInS2 QDs [25]. The authors supposed that an excessive ligand concentration might result in the surface distortion, which originates nonradiative defects, reducing PL intensity, while there was no change in PL peak position [25].…”

Hierarchical Fe2O3 hexagonal nanoplatelets anchored on SnO2 nanofibers for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitor device

“…In particular, one-dimensional (1D) nanomaterials such as nanorods 4 , nanowires 5 , nanotubes 3 , nanofibers 6 , and hollow structures 7 possess superior properties like high aspect ratio, small dimension structure and unique device function compared to their microscale and bulk counterparts 8 . Moreover, semiconductor nanoheterostructures have attracted a lot of interest due to their optoelectrical 9 , optical 10 , photocatalytic 11 and electrochemical properties 12 can be largely improved or amended. Some fantastic characteristics of the heterostructures, like tailoring bandgap, the photo-absorption optimization, structural flexibility and charge carrier mobility enhancement, might give multiple synergistic functions to unravel the problems in environment and energy fields.…”

Design Principles of Colloidal Nanorod Heterostructures

“…We note that there are additional reports of similar NRHs ( e.g. , refs and ), but they do not explicitly state or observe Cu 2– x S intermediates during the growth of the seed nanocrystals.…”