InP@ZnSeS, Core@Composition Gradient Shell Quantum Dots with Enhanced Stability

Abstract

Utilizing the reactivity difference between TOPSe and TOPS, we synthesized InP@ZnSeS QDs with the composition gradient in a radial direction where ZnSe alleviated lattice strain and ZnS protected QDs from degradation so that we achieved QDs with high QE and photo/chemical stability. In terms of systematic investigation on the relationship between the shell nanostructure and QD stability, we demonstrated that QDs with thick gradient shells exhibited high QE and much enhanced stability against the shell degradation under UV irradiation, ligand exchange, or rigorous purification. This enhanced stability of InP@ZnSeS QDs is attributed to the improved uniformity of composition gradient shells, the efficient confinement of exciton wavefunctions, and the minimized surface oxidation and non-radiative decay via surface states generated by photo-oxidation or ligand exchange. Using InP@ZnSeS QDs with enhanced stability, we were able to demonstrate InP-based colloidal green-emitting QD-LEDs. Although the current status of InP@ZnSeS QDs is not fully optimized to realize practical optoelectronic devices, the approach taken in the present study (i.e., the composition gradient shell structure naturally made from reactivity difference in precursors) will give clues to facilitate the synthesis of InP QDs with advanced nanostructures.