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Automated synthesis of InSb quantum dots with improved batch-to-batch reproducibility via kinetically matched
Yangning Zhang1, Hyeong Woo Ban2, Pan Xia1
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Nature Communications
|June 8, 2026
Summary
Automated synthesis of indium antimonide (InSb) colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) enables precise size control for infrared photodetection. This method achieves narrow size distributions and reproducible results without post-synthesis precipitation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Quantum Dot Synthesis
Background:
- Indium antimonide (InSb) colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are promising heavy-metal-free absorbers for infrared photodetection.
- Current synthesis methods face challenges with kinetic control, leading to broad size distributions and poor reproducibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an automated workflow for precise control over InSb CQD synthesis.
- To achieve narrow size distributions and improved batch-to-batch reproducibility without post-synthetic size-selective precipitation.
Main Methods:
- Employed an automated workflow for InSb CQD synthesis.
- Investigated the kinetically matched precursor co-reduction pathway.
- Tuned CQD size by modulating precursor conversion kinetics via In/Sb molar ratio and reducing agent availability.
Main Results:
- Achieved precise control over InSb CQD synthesis with narrow size distributions.
- Demonstrated improved batch-to-batch reproducibility.
- Tuned the first excitonic absorption peak across 1120-1650 nm in the short-wave infrared.
- Optimized CQDs showed a small Stokes shift of 32 meV.
Conclusions:
- The developed automated workflow enables kinetically guided size control of InSb CQDs.
- This approach overcomes limitations of traditional synthesis methods, yielding high-quality CQDs for infrared photodetection.
