Tungsten diselenides (WSe₂) quantum dots: Fundamental, properties, synthesis and applications

Two-dimensional tungsten diselenide (WSe₂) has received intense interest as a multifunctional semiconducting material for its distinctive electronic structure, outstanding photonic and catalytic properties. In particular, the dark exciton emission of WSe₂, which is enhanced with increasing temperature, makes it extremely promising for room-temperature optoelectronic devices with bright emissions. By manipulating the lateral dimensions of WSe₂ to form quantum dots (QDs) thus controlling their electronic band gaps via quantum confinement effect, a broad range of emission wavelengths can be achieved and the band edge positions are optimized for electro/photocatalytic water splitting. Further developing this technology requires us to understand the fundamental mechanisms and limitations behind different synthesis techniques to control the size, morphology, and quality of the WSe₂ QDs. Hereby, we review the recent progress in state-of-the-art synthesis techniques of WSe₂ QDs and their applications. A new theoretical insight correlating the down-sizing limit of WSe₂ QDs with different synthesis conditions is developed for guiding the synthesis of QDs with optimal sizes. From here, we review the fundamental science underpinning the exotic physical and chemical properties of WSe₂ QDs and how they are correlated with the QD sizes and morphologies. Finally, we highlight the critical challenges towards high-throughput production of high-quality, homogeneous WSe₂ QDs and their potential applications. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd.