Quantum Dots Enabling Advanced Quantum Sensing, Photodetector and Photovoltaic Technologies

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, Nanomaterials has achieved remarkable growth, achieving an Impact Factor of 4.3 through the collective efforts of many contributors across the global materials community. Building upon this strong foundation, this Special Issue will further advance the frontier of nanoscale research by exploring the emerging roles of quantum dots (QDs) in next-generation quantum sensing, photodetection, and photovoltaic technologies.

Background and History of this Topic
Quantum dots (QDs) have become one of the most versatile nanomaterial platforms, enabling precise control of optical and electronic properties through quantum confinement and compositional engineering. Since their discovery in the 1980s, QDs have transformed diverse fields, including optoelectronics, displays, and bioimaging. More recently, their tunable bandgap, strong light–matter coupling, and flexible surface chemistry have positioned them at the forefront of quantum sensing, high-performance photodetection, and advanced photovoltaic conversion.

Aim and Scope of this Special Issue
This Special Issue, entitled “Quantum Dots Enabling Advanced Quantum Sensing, Photodetector and Photovoltaic Technologies,” will provide a multidisciplinary platform that connects material innovation with device functionality. Potential topics include QD synthesis, surface passivation, heterostructure design, and their integration into sensing, detection, and solar-energy systems. This Special Issue particularly encourages studies that link fundamental materials science with practical device engineering.

Cutting-Edge Research
Key areas of interest include the following:

• Quantum sensing leveraging excitonic dynamics, charge transfer, or spin states for ultra-sensitive detection;
• High-performance photodetectors with improved responsivity, spectral selectivity, or extended NIR/SWIR operation;
• Built-in and tandem photovoltaic systems employing QDs for photon upconversion/downconversion and spectral management;
• Novel interface engineering, scalable fabrication, and stability optimization for long-term device operation.

Desired Papers
We invite original research articles, communications, and review papers that address QD-related materials, mechanisms, or device demonstrations. Interdisciplinary studies combining QDs with perovskite, organic, or 2D materials are particularly welcome.

Prof. Dr. Hsueh-Shih (Sean) Chen
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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