Ternary ACdP (A = Na, K) Nanostructures via a Hydride Solution-Phase Route.

Complex pnictides such as I-II-V compounds (I = alkali metal; II = divalent transition metal; V = pnictide element) display rich structural chemistry and interesting optoelectronic properties, but can be challenging to synthesize using traditional high-temperature solid-state synthesis. Soft chemistry methods can offer control over particle size, morphology, and properties. However, the synthesis of multinary pnictides from solution remains underdeveloped.

Revealing the Surface Structure of CdSe Nanocrystals by Dynamic Nuclear Polarization-Enhanced Se and Cd Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy.

Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) solid-state NMR (SSNMR) spectroscopy was used to obtain detailed surface structures of zinc blende CdSe nanocrystals (NCs) with plate or spheroidal morphologies which are capped by carboxylic acid ligands. 1D Cd and Se cross-polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS) NMR spectra revealed distinct signals from Cd and Se atoms on the surface of the NCs, and those residing in bulk-like environments, below the surface. Cd cross-polarization magic-angle-turning (CP-MAT) experiments identified CdSeO, CdSeO, and CdSeO Cd coordination environments on the surface of the NCs, where the oxygen atoms are presumably from coordinated carboxylate ligands.

Soft Chemistry, Coloring and Polytypism in Filled Tetrahedral Semiconductors: Toward Enhanced Thermoelectric and Battery Materials.

Filled tetrahedral semiconductors are a rich family of compounds with tunable electronic structure, making them ideal for applications in thermoelectrics, photovoltaics, and battery anodes. Furthermore, these materials crystallize in a plethora of related structures that are very close in energy, giving rise to polytypism through the manipulation of synthetic parameters. This Minireview highlights recent advances in the solution-phase synthesis and nanostructuring of these materials.