Structural Engineering of Semiconductor Nanoparticles by Conjugated Interfacial Bonds

Abstract

Surface functionalization of semiconductor nanoparticles plays a significant role in the manipulation of the nanoparticle physicochemical properties and diverse applications. Conventional points of anchor involve mercapto, carboxyl and phenol moieties, forming largely nonconjugated interfacial linkages. In this personal account, we summarize recent progress in surface functionalization of semiconductor nanoparticles with olefin and acetylene derivatives, where the formation of conjugated interfacial bonds leads to ready manipulation of the nanoparticle optical and electronic properties, by using Si and TiO₂ nanoparticles as the illustrating examples. Finally, a perspective is included where the promises and challenges of structural engineering of semiconductor nanoparicles are highlighted.

Keywords: charge transfer; conjugated linkage; semiconductor nanoparticle; silicon; surface anchor; titanium dioxide.