Colloidal Quantum Materials for Photocatalytic Applications

Colloidal quantum materials are nanocrystals containing hundreds to thousands of atoms that exhibit unique properties resulting from their small finite dimensions. The extraordinary flexibility in tuning their properties via composition, size- and dimensionality-related quantum confinement effects and surface engineering combined with their scalable bottom-up manufacturing has already led to their commercialization in different light-emitting applications, such as materials for displays and as fluorescent agents for imaging and sensing. Beyond light emission, harnessing absorbed light energy to perform useful chemical work is an important new avenue for diverse applications of the colloidal quantum materials. Here, we introduce the colloidal quantum materials and their virtues, focusing on the “all-in-one system” concept for semiconductor–metal hybrid nanoparticles acting as photocatalysts. Next, their emerging photocatalytic functionalities are highlighted, including their action as photocatalysts for solar-to-fuel conversion and as photoinitiators for photo-curing and biomedical applications, such as phototherapy, sterilization, and diagnostics.