Colloidal quantum dots for optoelectronic applications: fundamentals and recent progress

In this work, we present highlights and major milestones in the field of CQDs, starting from their optical and electronic properties that can be tailored not only by the atomic composition but also by the size, shape, and surface functionalization. We will also touch on CQD synthesis, processing and assembly, emphasizing their flexibility, low cost, low temperature and scalability. We will review recent advances in the design and fabrication of optoelectronic devices based on colloidal semiconductor quantum dots, with emphasis on light emitters, detectors and solar cells. We conclude with a short discussion on the large potentialities of this new class of materials as well as the challenges that must be addressed towards solution-processed functional optoelectronic nanomaterials for their practical applications in various fields.