Monocopper Doping in Cd-In-S Supertetrahedral Nanocluster via Two-Step Strategy and Enhanced Photoelectric Response

Abstract

We apply a two-step strategy to realize ordered distribution of multiple components in one nanocluster (NC) with a crystallographically ordered core/shell structure. A coreless supertetrahedral chalcogenide Cd-In-S cluster is prepared, and then a copper ion is inserted at its void core site through a diffusion process to form a Cu-Cd-In-S quaternary NC. This intriguing molecular cluster with mono-copper core and Cd-In shell exhibits enhanced visible-light-responsive optical and photoelectric properties compared to the parent NC.