Cadmium-Free Quantum Dots for Sustainable Heterogeneous Photocatalysis

Authors:
Preprint
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Quantum dots (QDs) are promising photocatalysts, primarily investigated in Cd- and Pb-based systems which raise severe toxicity concerns. Indium phosphide (InP) QDs represent an eco-friendly alternative, though their photocatalytic applications remain limited, especially under heterogeneous conditions. We report the first demonstration of InP/ZnS QDs immobilized on mesoporous silica (SBA-15) as recyclable heterogeneous photocatalysts. By tuning particle size and surface ligands, we identify key structure–activity relationships in the benchmark reduction of ferricyanide, with smaller QDs and π-conjugated ligands yielding quantitative conversion. Time-resolved photoluminescence reveals ultrafast charge transfer as the origin of enhanced activity. Immobilization ensures reusability over multiple cycles without loss of performance, establishing InP QDs as robust, sustainable photocatalysts and paving the way for environmentally benign nanomaterials in solar-driven chemistry.

This publication has 30 references indexed in Scilit: