Discrete supertetrahedral Tn chalcogenido clusters, which can be regarded as the smallest semiconductor quantum dots with precise chemical composition, have attracted considerable attention due to their outstanding photoluminescent, photoelectric, and photo/electrocatalytic properties. Such discrete molecular clusters are suitable for solution processing towards functional materials and can be used as precursors for constructing open-framework chalcogenides. Traditionally they were synthesized hydro(solvo)thermally with molecular solvents (e. g. water or organic amines), while until recently imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) were found suitable for their preparation acting as reactive solvent and stabilizer for molecular clusters. We discuss herein recent advances in the syntheses, crystal structures, and selected properties of discrete supertetrahedral Tn chalcogenido clusters obtained in ILs. In particular, the enhanced photocatalytic properties of monodispersed Tn clusters in solvents are highlighted.
Keywords: chalcogenides; dispersibility; ionic liquids; photocatalysis; supertetrahedral clusters.
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