Surface Chemistry
Inorganic Ligands
Colloidal nanocrystals of metallic, semiconducting, and insulating materials can be synthesized with remarkable control over shape, size, and composition. However, the applications of these as-synthesized nanomaterials are limited due to the bulky, insulating organic ligands. Our group developed a solution-chemistry-based approach to replace the native organic ligands with small inorganic ligands, which allow for electrostatic stabilization in polar solvents and do not inhibit electronic coupling between nanocrystals in a film. We have developed various classes of inorganic ligands to create functional nanocrystal inks in polar solvents, including chalcogenidometallates, polyoxometallates, and metal-free ligands.
Classes of inorganic ligands for colloidal nanocrystals.
Using these inorganic-capped nanocrystals as the functional layer, we have created state-of-the-art transistors, solar cells, and thermoelectric materials.
Example of a solution ligand exchange.
