CdHgSe Quantum Shells for Enhanced Near-Infrared Emission

Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals have revolutionized the field of nanotechnology with their unique and tunable optical properties especially in the visible range of electromagnetic spectrum. To extend their photophysical properties in near-infrared (NIR) range, we have developed mercury-based colloidal quantum shells with tunable photoluminescence spanning 900–1500 nm. These infrared emitting quantum shells exhibit high quantum yields and extended decay lifetimes, making them ideal candidates for applications in optoelectronics and bioimaging. The unique quantum shell geometry, analogous to quantum wells encasing a large nanocrystal core, has demonstrated key advantages, including reduced surface recombination and suppressed Auger recombination due to the larger exciton volume. These properties, which have been successful in the visible spectrum, offer significant potential for improving performance in NIR applications where non-radiative recombination is a limiting factor.