ULTRASMALL QUANTUM DOTS: FEATURES OF SYNTHESIS, OPTICAL PROPERTIES AND PROSPECTS FOR PRACTICAL USE (REVIEW)

Abstract

In recent years, interest in ultra-small (on the order of 2 nm) quantum dots (QDs) has increased. This subset of CTs includes clusters of magic sizes corresponding to a certain, clearly defined number of atoms. Ultrasmall CTs are characterized by unique properties - sharp absorption of light and almost complete surface luminescence. They are promising for a variety of applications, ranging from dye-sensitized solar cells, white light LEDs, and biomedical sensing due to their controllable electronic structure and large specific surface area. In this review, modern methods of synthesis of ultrasmall quantum dots are considered: the method of high-temperature organic synthesis, the method of hot injection, sonochemical synthesis of QDs of magical sizes, etc. Ultra-small quantum dots are used in solar cells. Due to their large surface-to-volume ratio, compared to traditional materials, they have a higher absorption efficiency, meaning they can convert a higher percentage of incident light into electricity. In contrast to the traditional production of solar cells based on organic solutions, which require high-temperature processing or an inert atmosphere during sputtering, and also have low stability in the open air, a method of processing solar cells with a solution containing PbS/ZnO is proposed. of nanocrystals in open air and at room temperature. Ultrasmall quantum dots are used in medicine due to their unique properties. Overall, they have several advantages over traditional imaging and sensing tools, such as higher brightness, longer fluorescence lifetimes, and tunable emission spectra. Current research is focused on increasing the stability and biocompatibility of quantum dots and developing new methods for their inclusion in various biomedical applications.