High-Pressure Chemistry toward the Modulation of the Structure and Properties of Nanocrystals

High-pressure chemistry, capable of modulating material structures and properties under extreme thermodynamic conditions, has emerged as a powerful tool for advancing nanoresearch. Semiconductor nanocrystals exhibit distinctive size- and shape-dependent physicochemical properties arising from strong quantum confinement effects. However, conventional ambient-pressure strategies for controlling their structure and luminescent behavior face inherent limitations. This review comprehensively surveys advances in high-pressure nanocrystal research spanning 2016 to 2025, with concentrated coverage of breakthrough discoveries published between 2020 and 2025. Our core scope centers on luminescent nanocrystal systems, namely chalcogenides, core-shell quantum dots, and halide perovskites. To deliver a well-rounded overview, we additionally incorporate relevant progress on ligand-capped nanoparticles and magnetic Fe3O4 nanocrystals. The discussion is organized into five interrelated thematic modules: (i) pressure-induced structural phase transitions; (ii) pressure-regulated nanocrystal morphology and assembly; (iii) pressure-driven surface engineering of nanocrystals; (iv) pressure engineering of core-shell nanocrystal interfaces; and (v) pressure-induced emission. We elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of high pressure, including the modulation of structure, enhancement of surface interactions, optimization of interfacial coupling, and formation of self-trapped excitons (STE). Additionally, this review highlights the application of high-pressure techniques in resolving long-standing ambient-pressure controversies in nanocrystal luminescence mechanisms. Finally, the challenges and outlook of high-pressure chemistry toward the modulation of the structures and properties of nanocrystals are summarized. We sincerely hope that this review will provide guidance for the rational design and precise modulation of high-performance nanomaterials, and further promote the cross-development of high-pressure chemistry and nanomaterials science.