Synthesis of single‐crystalline InP tetrapod nanocrystals via addition of ZnCl2

Abstract

AbstractRecently, single‐crystalline indium phosphide (InP) tetrapods, which allow an exciton to act in a true tetrapodal geometry, were successfully synthesized and proved as a useful platform to study multiple exciton behaviors. We used ZnCl2 precursor, a commonly used additive in the synthesis of aminophosphine‐based InP nanocrystals to enhance the optical performance, and successfully synthesized InP tetrapods (InP‐ZnCl2) with the narrower arm length distribution. Interestingly, no distinct enhancement in photoluminescence was observed while the arm length of the InP tetrapod was suppressed with the addition of ZnCl2. Further shell growth on InP‐ZnCl2 successfully preserved tetrapodal geometry in InP‐ZnCl2/ZnSe and showed higher photoluminescence than that of tetrapodal InP/ZnSe. The crystal structure of InP‐ZnCl2 was also retained even along with various Zn feed ratios as observed in x‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and showed no peak shift as Zn only passivates the surface of InP tetrapods. These results provide a platform to study the role of Zn precursor.