Indium phosphide (InP) quantum dots (QDs) are considered alternatives to Cd-containing QDs for application in light-emitting devices. The multishell coating with ZnSe/ZnS was shown to improve the photoluminescence quantum yield (QY) of InP QDs more strongly than the conventional ZnS shell coating. Structural proof for this system was provided by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. QY values in the range of 50–70% along with peak widths of 45–50 nm can be routinely achieved, making the optical performance of InP/ZnSe/ZnS QDs comparable to that of Cd-based QDs. The fabrication of a working electroluminescent light-emitting device employing the reported material demonstrated the feasibility of the desired application.

The lack of anionic carboxylate ligands on the surface of InP/ZnSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs), where zinc carboxylate ligands can be converted to carboxylic acid or carboxylate ligands via proton transfer by 1‐octanethiol, is demonstrated. The as‐synthesized QDs initially have an under‐coordinated vacancy surface, which is passivated by solvent ligands such as ethanol and acetone. Upon exposure of 1‐octanethiol to the QD surface, 1‐octanethiol effectively induces the surface binding of anionic carboxylate ligands (derived from zinc carboxylate ligands) by proton transfer, which consequently exchanges ethanol and acetone ligands that bind on the incomplete QD surface. These systematic chemical analyses, such as thermogravimetric analysis‐mass spectrometry and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, directly show the interplay of surface ligands, and it associates with QD light‐emitting diodes (QD‐LEDs). It is believed that this better understanding can lead to industrially feasible QD‐LEDs.

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) have the potential to serve as energy-harvesting windows in buildings. Although recent advances in nanotechnology have led to the emergence of novel fluorophores such as quantum dots, perovskites and others, the commercialization of such functional glass remains immature due to an insufficient power conversion efficiency. In other words, improvements in fluorophores alone cannot fully maximize the potential of LSCs. Here we introduce a new laminated type of LSC structure where a patterned low-refractive-index medium acts as an optical ‘guard rail’, providing a practically non-decaying path for guiding photons. We also propose the design rules regarding the dimensions of LSCs and the spectral characteristics of fluorophores. Once these rules were applied, we achieved record-high LSC performance. The measured external quantum efficiencies at 450 nm are 45% for a 100 cm² area and 32% for the LSC with an edge aspect ratio of 71. The device efficiency is 7.6%, the highest value ever reported, to the best of our knowledge. These findings may have industrial implications and could accelerate the commercialization of LSCs.

Metal sulfides are among the most promising materials for a wide variety of technologically relevant applications ranging from energy to environment and beyond. Incidentally, ionic liquids (ILs) have been among the top research subjects for the same applications and also for inorganic materials synthesis. As a result, the exploitation of the peculiar properties of ILs for metal sulfide synthesis could provide attractive new avenues for the generation of new, highly specific metal sulfides for numerous applications. This article therefore describes current developments in metal sulfide nanoparticle synthesis as exemplified by a number of highlight examples. Moreover, the article demonstrates how ILs have been used in metal sulfide synthesis and discusses the benefits of using ILs over more traditional approaches. Finally, the article demonstrates some technological challenges and how ILs could be used to further advance the production and specific property engineering of metal sulfide nanomaterials, again based on a number of selected examples.

Hexagonal p-type semiconductor CuS nanoplates were synthesized via a hot injection method from bis(trimethylsilyl)sulfide and the ionic liquid precursor bis(N-dodecylpyridinium) tetrachloridocuprate(ii). The particles have a broad size distribution with diameters between 30 and 680 nm and well-developed crystal habits. The nanoplates were successfully incorporated into organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells as hole conduction materials. The power conversion efficiency of OPV cells fabricated with the nanoplates is 16% higher than that of a control device fabricated without the nanoplates.