Sequential, low-temperature aqueous synthesis of Ag-In-S/Zn quantum dots via staged cation exchange under biomineralization conditions

The development of high quality, non-toxic (i.e., heavy-metal-free), and functional quantum dots (QDs) via 'green' and scalable synthesis routes is critical for realizing truly sustainable QD-based solutions to diverse technological challenges. Herein, we demonstrate the low-temperature all-aqueous-phase synthesis of silver indium sulfide/zinc (AIS/Zn) QDs with a process initiated by the biomineralization of highly crystalline indium sulfide nanocrystals, and followed by the sequential staging of Ag+ cation exchange and Zn2+ addition directly within the biomineralization media without any intermediate product purification. Therein, we exploit solution phase cation concentration, the duration of incubation in the presence of In2S3 precursor nanocrystals, and the subsequent addition of Zn2+ as facile handles under biomineralization conditions for controlling QD composition, tuning optical properties, and improving the photoluminescence quantum yield of the AIS/Zn product. We demonstrate how engineering biomineralization for the synthesis of intrinsically hydrophilic and thus readily functionalizable AIS/Zn QDs with a quantum yield of 18% offers a 'green' and non-toxic materials platform for targeted bioimaging in sensitive cellular systems. Ultimately, the decoupling of synthetic steps helps unravel the complexities of ion exchange-based synthesis within the biomineralization platform, enabling its adaptation for the sustainable synthesis of 'green', compositionally diverse QDs.