Tunable photoluminescence wavelength of chalcopyrite CuInS ₂-based semiconductor nanocrystals synthesized in a colloidal system

Chalcopyrite-type CuInS₂-based alloyed fluorescent nanocrystals (NCs), which contain no regulated heavy metal ions, were synthesized by heating an organometallic solution to demonstrate optical property tunability. Introduction of Zn into the CuInS₂ system enhanced their photoluminescence (PL) intensity. The resultant particles were 3-6 nm; they varied with experimental conditions and were discrete and colloidally stable. The band-gap energy and PL wavelength of Zn-Cu-In-S (ZCIS) NCs varied with Zn content and particle size. Their PL was controllable within 570-800 nm by altering the band-gap energy. Furthermore, indium substitution with gallium was shown to control band-gap energy toward ∼3.1 eV, 500 nm of PL wavelength. In addition, ZnS coating of this nanocrystal can approximately double the PL strength. Finally, surface treatment with mercaptoundecanoic acid dispersed hydrophilic ZCIS NCs into water.