A pathway to high-quality ZnSe quantum wires

One-dimensional semiconductor nanowires with sturdy quantum confinement impact—quantum wires (QWs)—are of nice curiosity for functions in superior optoelectronics and photochemical conversions. Past the state-of-the-art Cd-containing ones, ZnSe QWs, as a consultant heavy-metal-free semiconductor, have proven the utmost potential for next-generation environmental-friendly functions.

Sadly, ZnSe nanowires produced up to now are largely restricted to the sturdy quantum confinement regime with near-violet-light absorption or to the majority regime with undiscernible exciton options. Simultaneous, on-demand, and high-precision manipulations on their radial and axial sizes—that enables sturdy quantum confinement within the blue-light area—has up to now been difficult, which considerably impedes their additional functions.

In a brand new article revealed within the Nationwide Science Overview, a analysis group led by professor YU Shuhong at College of Science and Know-how of China (USTC) has reported the on-demand synthesis of high-quality, blue-light-active ZnSe QWs by creating a versatile artificial method—a two-step catalytic development technique that permits impartial, high-precision, and wide-range controls over the diameter and size of ZnSe QWs. On this manner, they bridge the hole between prior magic-sized ZnSe QWs and bulk-like ZnSe nanowires.

The researchers discovered {that a} new epitaxial orientation between the cubic-phase catalyst ideas and wurtzite ZnSe QWs kinetically favors the formation of ultrathin, stacking-fault free QWs. The sturdy quantum confinement, high-degree dimension management, and the absence of combined phases collectively result in their well-defined, ultranarrow excitonic absorption within the blue-light area with full width at half most (FWHM) of sub-13 nm. After floor thiol passivation, they additional eradicated the floor electron traps in these ZnSe QWs, leading to long-lived cost carriers and high-efficiency solar-to-H₂ conversion.

The 2-step catalyzed development technique is believed to be normal for a wide range of colloidal nanowires. The entry to these high-quality nanowires would thus provide a flexible materials library for heavy-metal free functions in photo voltaic fuels and optoelectronics sooner or later.