Understanding the surface chemistry of semiconducting nanocrystals is essential for unlocking their promise for variety of energy-related purposes. While much research has been dedicated to empirically understanding the relationship between surface chemistry and optical properties, only recently have models emerged that quantitatively connect ligand composition with electronic surface states. Borrowing from Malcolm Green’s covalent bond classification system, nanocrystal surface ligands can be characterized as L-type (2-electron donors), Z-type (2-electron acceptors), and X-type (1-electron donor/acceptors) ligands. This system has become well developed for colloidal II-VI and IV-VI nanocrystals that are more ionic in character, but can also be applied to relatively less-mature Group IV nanocrystals that are generally bound by covalent ligands. This talk will aim towards bridging the gap between ionic and covalent semiconducting nanocrystals, with the particular goal of developing surface chemistry to functionalize these platforms for optioelectronic applications.

Bridging the gap between group IV and binary semiconducting nanocrystals: The X,L,Z motif

251st National Meeting (2016)

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