Surface Modulation of Semiconductor Quantum Dots for Advanced Optoelectronic Applications

Dear Colleagues,

The surface modulation of micro/nanomaterials such as semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) serves as a pivotal strategy to tailor their optoelectronic properties, enabling breakthroughs in device performance and functionality. Based on surface chemistry, ligand exchange, and heterostructural configurations, researchers can precisely manipulate the dynamics, stability, and interfacial interactions of charge carriers, critical factors for applications spanning solar cells, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), photodetectors, and quantum light sources. Recent advancements in surface passivation, core–shell structure, encapsulation, and hybrid architectures have enabled unprecedented control over quantum confinement effects, defect mitigation, and environmental resilience. Nevertheless, challenges persist in achieving the precise modulation and control of long-term operational stability, scalable synthesis with atomic-level precision, and high-performance optoelectronic devices.

This Special Issue seeks to compile cutting-edge research on surface modulation strategies for semiconductor QDs, emphasizing their role in advancing next-generation optoelectronic technologies. We welcome original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that address fundamental insights, innovative methodologies, and practical applications. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Surface ligand chemistry and its impact on charge transport and photoluminescence quantum yield;
• First-principle calculations for the surface design of micro/nanomaterials;
• Core–shell architectures and graded interface design for enhanced exciton confinement;
• In situ characterization of surface dynamics under operational conditions;
• Surface defect passivation techniques for improved stability and reduced non-radiative recombination;
• Scalable synthesis routes for monodisperse QDs;
• QDs for flexible and stretchable electronics;
• Surface plasmon coupling and photon management in QD-based optoelectronic devices;
• Advanced computational models for predicting surface-mediated optoelectronic behaviors;
• Novel quantum dot light-emitting materials;
• Highly efficient QD light-emitting diodes, solar cells, and photodetectors;
• Challenges in QD surface standardization for industrial-scale manufacturing;
• Emerging applications in quantum information, bioimaging, and energy harvesting;
• Regulation of surface wettability in micro/nanostructures and applications;
• Synergistic modulation of QD surface chemistry and wettability for photothermal performance optimization;
• Bioinspired micro/nanostructured interfaces for efficient photothermal management;
• Dynamic wettability surfaces in photothermally responsive devices;
• Interfacial regulation mechanisms in photothermal catalysis using micro/nanostructures;
• Surface engineering for flexible/stretchable photothermal devices;
• Multiscale simulation of micro/nanostructured interfaces and photothermal–wettability coupling mechanisms.

We invite contributions that bridge theoretical, experimental, and translational research to accelerate the development of robust, high-performance QD-based systems.

Dr. Xiaoli Yin
Dr. Chenghao Bi
Guest Editors

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• semiconductor quantum dots
• optoelectronic devices
• light-emitting diodes
• solar cells
• surface design of micro/nanomaterials
• novel quantum dots light-emitting materials
• core-shell architectures and graded interface design