Multinary copper-based chalcogenide semiconductor nanocrystals: synthesis and applications in light-emitting diodes and bioimaging

Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals have been extensively used for illumination, displays, bioimaging, and other fields. However, the most extensively used Cd-based nanocrystals are toxic. Recently, non-toxic multinary copper-based chalcogenide semiconductor nanocrystals have been studied intensively. The mostly studied in these materials are ternary Cu–In–S nanocrystals which have large adjustable luminescence range, good luminescence efficiency, and excellent device applications. Therefore, this material has been the most potential candidates to replace Cd-based materials. To date, different synthetic methods have been developed to prepare ternary Cu–In–S nanocrystals, which include hot-injection, non-injection, thermal decomposition, and solvothermal route. In order to enhance the luminescence property, incorporating of Zn²⁺ or overgrowth of a ZnS shell is the comment ways that researchers often use. This review will introduce the synthesis methods of multinary copper-based chalcogenide semiconductor nanocrystals and their potential applications in quantum-dot light-emitting diodes and bioimaging fields. Finally, the conclusion and prospect are provided.