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Updated: Dec 17, 2025

Synthesis of In37P20O2CR51 Clusters and Their Conversion to InP Quantum Dots
Published on: May 7, 2019
Evolution from unimolecular to colloidal-quantum-dot-like character in chlorine or zinc incorporated InP magic size
Yongju Kwon1, Juwon Oh2,3, Eunjae Lee1
1Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, 37673, South Korea.
Abstract:
Magic-sized clusters (MSCs) can be isolated as intermediates in quantum dot (QD) synthesis, and they provide pivotal clues in understanding QD growth mechanisms. We report syntheses for two families of heterogeneous-atom-incorporated InP MSCs that have chlorine or zinc atoms. All the MSCs could be directly synthesized from conventional molecular precursors. Alternatively, each series of MSCs could be prepared by sequential conversions. 386-InP MSCs could be converted to F360-InP:Cl MSCs, then to F399-InP:Cl MSCs. Similarly, F360-InP:Zn MSCs could be converted to F408-InP:Zn MSCs, then to F393-InP:Zn MSCs. As the conversion proceeded, evolution from uni-molecule-like to QD-like characters was observed. Early stage MSCs showed active inter-state conversions in the excited states, which is characteristics of small molecules. Later stage MSCs exhibited narrow photoinduced absorptions at lower-energy region like QDs. The crystal structure also gradually evolved from polytwistane to more zinc-blende.
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