Colloidal Oxide Perovskite Nanocrystals: From Synthesis to Application

Abstract

Nanocrystals (NCs) are complex systems that offer a superior level of detailed engineering at the atomic level. The large number of novel and revolutionary applications have made nanocrystals of special interest. In particular oxide perovskites are one of the most widely investigated family of materials in solid-state chemistry, especially for their ferroelectric and superconducting properties. In addition to these well-known properties, perovskites show good electrical conductivity (close to metals), ion conductivity and mixed ionic-electronic conductivity. In that sense, controlled synthesis of nanomaterials with special care over size and shape are essential in many fields of science and technology. Although it is well-known that physical methods deliver excellent quality nanomaterials, their high production cost has increased the interest to more affordable alternative chemical processes. In this review, we focus on the preparation of sub-10 nm oxide perovskite nanocrystals and the main strategies used to control the final properties of the obtained products. In the second part, we present the methods available for nanocrystal solutions processing together with the most remarkable applications foreseen.