Scientists from the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science and partners have achieved the formation of a "superlattice" comprising semiconductor quantum dots, capable of mimicking metallic behavior. This breakthrough holds promise for introducing novel characteristics to this widely utilized material category.
The remarkable optical properties of colloidal quantum dots, which stem from the quantum confinement effect, have captivated extensive scientific attention. These semiconductor nanocrystals have found applications in diverse fields such as solar cells, enhancing energy conversion rates; biological imaging, serving as fluorescent probes; electronic displays; and even quantum computing, leveraging their capacity to trap and manipulate individual electrons.
Nevertheless, achieving efficient electrical conductivity in semiconductor quantum dots has posed a significant obstacle, hindering their complete utilization. The primary culprit behind this limitation is the absence of orientational coherence within their assemblies. Satria Zulkarnaen Bisri, the principal investigator of the study, conducted the research at RIKEN and currently affiliated with the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, states that "endowing them with metallic behavior would allow for the development of quantum dot displays that are not only brighter but also consume less energy compared to existing devices."
Recently, the team has made a significant breakthrough that could significantly contribute to realizing this objective. Their findings, published in Nature Communications, present a noteworthy advancement. Spearheaded by Bisri and Yoshihiro Iwasa from RIKEN CEMS, the group has successfully fabricated a superlattice composed of lead sulfide colloidal quantum dots, which exhibits the electrical conductivity characteristics typically associated with metals.
The crucial factor in accomplishing this feat was the direct, "epitaxial" attachment of individual quantum dots within the lattice, devoid of ligands. Additionally, ensuring the facets of the quantum dots were precisely oriented played a vital role in the process.
To evaluate the conductivity of their fabricated material, the researchers conducted tests by augmenting the carrier density via an electric-double-layer transistor. Remarkably, they discovered that at a specific threshold, the material exhibited conductivity that surpassed current quantum dot displays by a staggering factor of one million. Significantly, despite achieving high conductivity, the individual quantum dots retained their quantum confinement, ensuring that their functionality was preserved without compromise.
Iwasa remarks, "Semiconductor quantum dots have consistently held potential due to their optical properties, but their electronic mobility has posed a challenge." He further adds, "Our study has exemplified that precise control over the orientation of quantum dots within the assembly can result in enhanced electronic mobility and metallic characteristics. This breakthrough has the potential to unlock new possibilities for leveraging semiconductor quantum dots in emerging technologies."
Bisri outlines their future plans, stating, "We intend to conduct further investigations on this category of materials and anticipate significant advancements in the potential of quantum dot superlattices." He envisions that besides enhancing existing devices, this breakthrough could pave the way for novel applications, including all-quantum dot direct electroluminescence devices, electrically driven lasers, thermoelectric devices, and highly sensitive detectors and sensors. These applications were previously considered beyond the capabilities of quantum dot materials, expanding their scope considerably.
Apart from RIKEN, the research team comprised scientists from various institutions, including the Tokyo Institute of Technology, the University of Tokyo, SPring-8, and the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology. Their collaborative efforts and expertise from diverse institutions contributed to the success of the study.