Synthesis\nof Ultrasmall and Magic-Sized CdSe Nanocrystals

Abstract

Nanocrystals\nexhibit useful properties not found in their bulk\ncounterparts; however, a subclass of nanocrystals that consist of\ndiameters on the order of 2 nm or less further exhibit unique properties.\nAs synthetic methodologies of nanocrystals have matured, greater emphasis\nhas been made on controlling the early stages of the reaction in order\nto gain access to these sub-2 nm species. This review provides an\noverview of ultrasmall and magic-sized nanocrystals, and the diverse\nchemical means to obtain them. Due to their small size and their resultant\nproperties, these ultrasmall and magic-sized nanocrystals have a distinct\nadvantage in many applications including achieving renal clearance\nfor the purpose of biological imaging, producing simple and high-quality\nwhite LEDs, and controlling the growth of nanocrystals to produce\nvarious morphologies.