Abstract
A comprehensive overview of the process of digestive ripening that is known to convert polydisperse nanocrystals to monodisperse ones is presented. Apart from highlighting the role of organic molecules (ligands) in achieving size control, the roles of other parameters such as the nanocrystal-ligand binding strength and the temperature at which the reaction is carried out in accomplishing size control are also delineated. The generality of the procedure is illustrated by providing examples of how it is used to prepare monodisperse nanocrystals of different metals, alloy systems, and ultrasmall nanocrystals and also to narrow the size distribution in complex binary and ternary nanocrystal systems. Finally, the current status as far as the theoretical understanding of how size control is being achieved by digestive ripening is laid out, emphasizing at the same time the necessity to undertake more systematic studies to completely realize the full potential of this practically very useful procedure.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
