Unveiling Zn incorporation in CuInS$_2$ quantum dots: X-ray and optical analysis of doping effects, structural modifications and surface passivation

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Main Authors: Burgos-Caminal, Andrés, Vale, Brener R. C., Fonseca, André F. V., Hidalgo, Juan F., Collet, Elisa P. P., García, Lázaro, Vega-Mayoral, Víctor, Garcia-Orrit, Saül, Arnay, Iciar, Cabanillas-González, Juan, Simonelli, Laura, Nogueira, Ana Flávia, Schiavon, Marco Antônio, Penfold, Thomas J., Padilha, Lazaro A., Gawelda, Wojciech
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
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author Burgos-Caminal, Andrés
Vale, Brener R. C.
Fonseca, André F. V.
Hidalgo, Juan F.
Collet, Elisa P. P.
García, Lázaro
Vega-Mayoral, Víctor
Garcia-Orrit, Saül
Arnay, Iciar
Cabanillas-González, Juan
Simonelli, Laura
Nogueira, Ana Flávia
Schiavon, Marco Antônio
Penfold, Thomas J.
Padilha, Lazaro A.
Gawelda, Wojciech
author_facet Burgos-Caminal, Andrés
Vale, Brener R. C.
Fonseca, André F. V.
Hidalgo, Juan F.
Collet, Elisa P. P.
García, Lázaro
Vega-Mayoral, Víctor
Garcia-Orrit, Saül
Arnay, Iciar
Cabanillas-González, Juan
Simonelli, Laura
Nogueira, Ana Flávia
Schiavon, Marco Antônio
Penfold, Thomas J.
Padilha, Lazaro A.
Gawelda, Wojciech
contents Quantum dots (QDs) exhibit unique properties arising from their reduced size and quantum confinement effects, including exceptionally bright and tunable photoluminescence. Among these, CuInS$_{2}$ QDs have gained significant attention owing to their remarkable broadband emission, making them highly desirable for various optoelectronic applications requiring efficient luminescent nanomaterials. However, maximizing radiative recombination in CuInS$_{2}$ QDs often necessitates minimizing intragap trap states. A common approach involves the introduction of Zn during the synthesis, which typically promotes the formation of a ZnS shell that passivates the QD surface. Despite its importance, the characterization and quantification of Zn incorporation using conventional techniques, such as optical spectroscopy or electron microscopy, remains challenging. In this study, we utilized X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), in both X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectral ranges, to investigate Zn incorporation into CuInS$_{2}$ QDs with element-specific precision. This approach allowed us to detect the formation of a ZnS surface shell and to resolve the spatial distribution of Zn atoms within the QD lattice, distinguishing between Zn as a substituent, or as an interstitial defect. Additionally, we explored the optical and dynamical properties of CuInS$_{2}$ QDs using time-resolved optical spectroscopies, particularly in the presence of electron and hole acceptors. These results provide deeper insights into the role and effectiveness of the Zn-induced passivating layer, paving the way for optimizing QD performance in photoluminescence applications.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2507_11338
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Unveiling Zn incorporation in CuInS$_2$ quantum dots: X-ray and optical analysis of doping effects, structural modifications and surface passivation
Burgos-Caminal, Andrés
Vale, Brener R. C.
Fonseca, André F. V.
Hidalgo, Juan F.
Collet, Elisa P. P.
García, Lázaro
Vega-Mayoral, Víctor
Garcia-Orrit, Saül
Arnay, Iciar
Cabanillas-González, Juan
Simonelli, Laura
Nogueira, Ana Flávia
Schiavon, Marco Antônio
Penfold, Thomas J.
Padilha, Lazaro A.
Gawelda, Wojciech
Materials Science
Chemical Physics
Quantum dots (QDs) exhibit unique properties arising from their reduced size and quantum confinement effects, including exceptionally bright and tunable photoluminescence. Among these, CuInS$_{2}$ QDs have gained significant attention owing to their remarkable broadband emission, making them highly desirable for various optoelectronic applications requiring efficient luminescent nanomaterials. However, maximizing radiative recombination in CuInS$_{2}$ QDs often necessitates minimizing intragap trap states. A common approach involves the introduction of Zn during the synthesis, which typically promotes the formation of a ZnS shell that passivates the QD surface. Despite its importance, the characterization and quantification of Zn incorporation using conventional techniques, such as optical spectroscopy or electron microscopy, remains challenging. In this study, we utilized X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), in both X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectral ranges, to investigate Zn incorporation into CuInS$_{2}$ QDs with element-specific precision. This approach allowed us to detect the formation of a ZnS surface shell and to resolve the spatial distribution of Zn atoms within the QD lattice, distinguishing between Zn as a substituent, or as an interstitial defect. Additionally, we explored the optical and dynamical properties of CuInS$_{2}$ QDs using time-resolved optical spectroscopies, particularly in the presence of electron and hole acceptors. These results provide deeper insights into the role and effectiveness of the Zn-induced passivating layer, paving the way for optimizing QD performance in photoluminescence applications.
title Unveiling Zn incorporation in CuInS$_2$ quantum dots: X-ray and optical analysis of doping effects, structural modifications and surface passivation
topic Materials Science
Chemical Physics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2507.11338