title: Physicochemical evaluation of the hot-injection method, a synthesis route for monodisperse nanocrystals.
abstract: The quintessence of the hot-injection method, a synthesis route for monodisperse, highly luminescent semiconductor nanocrystals, is reviewed. The separate stages of nucleation and growth of the nanocrystals are discussed in the framework of classical nucleation theory and an equilibrium model proposed by Debye. We also review the numerous adaptations of the original synthesis that currently provide colloidal nanocrystals with well-defined, size-dependent optical, electrical, and magnetic properties. The availability of these remarkable materials is one of the most promising developments in nanoscience and nanotechnology.
authors.affiliation: Condensed Matter and Interfaces, Debye Institute, University of Utrecht, Princetonplein 1, 3508 TA Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Celso
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: de Mello Donegá
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Liljeroth
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vanmaekelbergh
mesh_terms: D019187:Cadmium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D002627:Chemistry, Physical / Q000379:methods; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D006358:Hot Temperature; D007700:Kinetics; D008956:Models, Chemical; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D045663:Quantum Dots; D018036:Selenium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D012666:Semiconductors; D013499:Surface Properties; D013696:Temperature; D013816:Thermodynamics; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D019187:Cadmium Compounds; D018036:Selenium Compounds; C058667:cadmium selenide