Periodic Reporting for period 1 - InPlane (Colloidal two-dimensional InP nanocrystals)
Période du rapport: 2021-04-01 au 2023-03-31
Among the alternatives, NCs comprised of III-V semiconductors stand out not only due to their relatively benign nature but also due to expected higher robustness because of the high covalency of the crystalline structure, a broad range of bandgaps spanning from ultraviolet to deep-infrared regions, efficient light absorption, and high mobility of charge carriers. Although the first syntheses of such NCs were reported at around the same time as II-VI and IV-VI ones, the state-of-the-art III-V nanomaterials are still noticeably inferior to their Cd- and Pb-chalcogenide-based counterparts. To tackle this issue, several problems need to be addressed, including broadening the range of synthetic precursors, designing new synthetic strategies, elucidation of NC formation mechanisms, and investigation of surface chemistry of NCs for controlling their shape, electronic and optical properties as well as tailoring III-V nanoparticles for applications.
The main objective of this Marie Skłodowska-Curie action is the implementation of an innovative approach to address several of these points by focusing on the design of synthetic procedures and the investigation of the new type of NCs – colloidal two-dimensional indium phosphide NCs – that may become new nontoxic material for LEDs and displays with superior efficiency, optical characteristics, and simple device structure.
In the first work package, we investigated approaches for the “direct” synthesis of indium phosphide nanoplatelets. First, we synthesized new phosphorus-containing precursors for the synthesis of indium phosphide nanocrystals and explored their performance in synthesis. Then we focused on exploring approaches for the preparation of indium phosphide nanoplatelets through the recrystallization of small indium phosphide nanocrystals and magic-size clusters in the presence of shape control agents.
In the second work package, we investigated the “indirect” synthesis route to indium phosphide nanoplatelets by performing In3+-for-Cu+ cation exchange in copper phosphide nanotemplates. This route exploits the difference in binding affinities of phosphines to Cu+ and In3+ ions, the high mobility of Cu+ ions in the lattice as well as the tendency of copper phosphide nanocrystals for two-dimensional growth directed by its crystalline lattice.
Finally, the third work package was focused on the modification of indium phosphide nanocrystals (mainly by the preparation of core-shell heterostructures) to meet the needs of practical applications as well as comprehensively study their optoelectronic properties to make them bright, efficient, and stable material for light-emitting devices.
The results and activities of the project were disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, participation in conferences and workshops. As of the end date of the project, it yielded one peer-reviewed paper with three more in preparation (not including three planned co-authored papers, three oral talks, and three poster presentations at specialized conferences. To provide public engagement, communicate the results of the action and broad general information about nanomaterials the fellow also took part in Dresden Long Night of Science, UNI-TAG – TU Dresden’s open house day for prospective students and provided an entry to 2023 cfaed Scientific Image Competition, which can be used in promotional materials in public outreach activities of TU Dresden and cfaed.