Colloidal nanocrystals exhibit a number of exciting properties that make them useful for energy storage and conversion, electrochromics, and other applications. In these devices, it is desirable to control their spatial arrangement in active layers, often with periodic meso- to macroscale architectures. Such control can be realized through block copolymer-directed assembly of ligand-stripped, or naked nanocrystals. Here, we will present recent progress understanding and controlling the chemical processes that ultimately yield stable dispersions of cationic naked nanocrystals. In particular, we will discuss the importance of reversible Lewis acid-Lewis base adducts formed during key steps in the reaction mechanism, which has allowed us to produce the first known stable dispersions of cationic naked lead selenide nanocrystals. The approach outlined here is general for controlling the surface chemistry of a wide variety of metallic, metal oxide, and semiconductor nanocrystals.

In situ analysis of the formation of cationic naked nanocrystals generated under equilibrium control

248th National Meeting (2014)

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