Probing surface interactions in CdSe quantum dots with thiocyanate ligands

Surface chemistry dictates the optoelectronic properties of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs). Tailoring these properties relies on the meticulous selection of surface ligands for efficient passivation. While long-chain organic ligands boast a well-understood passivation mechanism, the intricacies of short inorganic ionic ligands remain largely unexplored. This study sheds light on the surface-passivation mechanism of short inorganic ligands, particularly focusing on SCN^- ions on CdSe QDs. Employing steady-state and time-resolved infrared spectroscopic techniques, we elucidated the surface-ligand interactions and coordination modes of SCN^--capped CdSe QDs. Comparative analysis with studies on CdS QDs unveils intriguing insights into the coordination behavior and passivation efficacy of SCN^- ions on Cd²⁺ rich QD surfaces. Our results reveal the requirement of both surface-bound (strong binding) and weakly-interacting interfacial SCN^- ions for effective CdSe QD passivation. Beyond fostering a deeper understanding of surface-ligand interactions and highlighting the importance of a comprehensive exploration of ligand chemistries, this study holds implications for optimizing QD performance across diverse applications.