Molecular triplet sensitization using low-toxicity CuInS(Se)2 nanocrystals for photon upconversion and solar synthesis
Kaifeng Wu a
a Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Materials for Sustainable Development Conference (MATSUS)
Proceedings of MATSUS Spring 2025 Conference (MATSUSSpring25)
I-III-VI Colloidal Nanocrystals and Derivatives: From Synthesis to Applications - #ChalcoQD
Sevilla, Spain, 2025 March 3rd - 7th
Organizer: Lukasz Klopotowski
Oral, Kaifeng Wu, presentation 009
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29363/nanoge.matsusspring.2025.009
Publication date: 16th December 2024

Near-infrared to visible photon upconversion holds great promise for a diverse range of applications. Current photosensitizers for triplet-fusion upconversion across this spectral window often contain either precious or toxic elements, and have relatively low efficiencies. Although colloidal semicondcutor nanocrystals have emerged as versatile photosensitizers, the only family of nanocrystals discovered for near-infrared upconversion is the highly-toxic lead chalcogenides. Here we report zinc-doped CuInSe2 nanocrystals as a low-cost and lead-free alternate, allowing for near-infrared to yellow upconversion with an external quantum efficiency reaching 16.7%. When directly merged with photoredox catalysis, this system enables efficient near-infrared-driven organic synthesis and polymerization, which in turn solves the issue of photon reabsorption loss for nanocrystal-sensitized upconversion. Moreover, the broadband light capturing of these nanocrystals allows for very rapid reactions under indoor sunlight. Extending the reach of "solar synthesis" into the near-infrared may realize the century-long dream of conducting high added-value chemical transformations using sunlight.

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