Magic-Sized CdSe Nanoclusters: A Review on Synthesis and White Light Potential

Abstract: Magic-sized nanoclusters have gained tremendous attention by researchers as they offer applicability in a variety of fields ranging from chemistry and physics to electronics. The first report on magic-sized nanoclusters of CdSe gave impetus to deep understanding about the sub 2 nanometer (<2nm) regime dimension of II-VI semiconductor quantum dots which are vastly documented in the last four decades. One of the major challenges, however, remained is the reproducible synthesis employing a variety of precursors. In case of synthesis of CdSe, often reagents are challenging to handle in terms of their stability as well as toxicity. Yet, this semiconductor material alone has been studied by many as a model compound semiconductor in terms of quantum dots and the same has been extended to magic-sized nanoclusters in view of the great potential as white light emitting material. The present review discusses some of the aspects related to magic-sized CdSe nanoclusters to boost the understanding and possibility of their application in photonics and electronics. Keywords: Semiconductor, Magic-sized nanocrystals, Doped nanoparticles, Optical properties, White Light