Exploring the surface of CuInS2 nanocrystals

What is the surface of copper-indium-sulfur nanocrystals really like? This is something that researchers, intrigued by the nanocrystals’ high luminescence, have wanted to know for years. A team at INAC combined MRI and synchrotron images to shed light on the mystery.

The researchers discovered a very dense layer of native organic ligands that are constantly regenerated via a dynamic desorption-adsorption process. Therefore, it would be difficult for any new chemical agent to adhere to this surface in order to functionalize the nanocrystals. And functionalization—such as to make the nanocrystals compatible with an aqueous biological environment—is the ultimate goal.

However, the research did indicate two potential strategies. One would be to slow down the ligand-exchange process, and the other would be to add protonating agents.

Contact: marina.gromova@cea.fr

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