Halogens in the synthesis of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals

TL;DR

This review discusses how halogenated compounds influence the synthesis, shape, phase, and properties of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals, impacting their physical performance in applications.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive summary of recent advances in using halogen compounds for controlling nanocrystal synthesis and properties.

Findings

Halogen compounds enable shape and phase control of nanocrystals.

They significantly influence nanocrystal electronic properties.

Surface analytical methods are crucial for nanocrystal surface management.

Abstract

In this review, we highlight the role of halogenated compounds in the colloidal synthesis of nanostructured semiconductors. Halogen-containing metallic salts used as precursors and halogenated hydrocarbons used as ligands allow stabilizing different shapes and crystal phases, and enable the formation of colloidal systems with different dimensionality. We summarize recent reports on the tremendous influence of these compounds on the physical properties of nanocrystals, like field-effect mobility and solar cell performance and outline main analytical methods for the nanocrystal surface control.