Recent Developments in Metal Chalcogenide Quantum Dots: From Material Design Strategies to Applications

Nanotechnology advancements in recent times have led to the development of various metal chalcogenide quantum dots (QDs), including binary QDs (metal sulfide, selenide, and telluride) and alloyed QDs (cadmium selenium telluride). These QDs are valued for their distinctive optoelectronic and functional properties, including intrinsic (quantum confinement) and extrinsic (high surface area) effects influenced by size, shape, and surface characteristics. This review article mainly focuses on the most recent advancements in the synthesis, properties, and applications of metal chalcogenide QDs. We cover different synthesis approaches, including solvothermal, wet chemical, aqueous, photochemical, mechanochemical, and green synthesis, and explain how these techniques impact their properties. We then examine the diverse applications of QDs, including LEDs, biomedical, photovoltaics, neuromorphic, photodetector, photocatalysis, and sensing. Lastly, we explore the challenges and future opportunities for metal chalcogenide quantum dots. This article will provide a deeper understanding of the metal chalcogenide QDs. Moreover, it is beneficial for the researchers to make efficient QDs with various applications.