Advances in II–VI semiconductor magic-size clusters: Synthesis, characterization, and applications in nanotechnology

[Display omitted] •Explores M-to-E stoichiometry in II–VI MSCs.•Unveils stoichiometry’s impact on MSC structures.•Reviews ligand effects on MSC stoichiometry.•Discusses advanced MSC characterization techniques. Semiconductor magic-size clusters (MSCs), especially II–VI group compounds, are popular materials in nanoscience research due to their unique electronic structures and optical properties. MSCs can be divided into two main categories based on the structures: quasi-spherical structures with wurtzite-like lattices and tetrahedral structures with zincblende-like lattices. Each type has its specific synthetic routes and physicochemical properties. This review distinguishes two types of MSCs and compares their differences in structures, properties, and applications. It then focuses on quasi-spherical structured MSCs, providing a comprehensive overview of their synthetic pathways, characterization and analysis methods, physicochemical properties, as well as applications in areas such as synthesis, energy catalysis, and magneto-optics. Finally, this article discusses the opportunities and challenges that MSCs may face in future development. The in-depth study of quasi-spherical structured MSCs is expected to provide new perspectives for the further development of nanoscience and materials science and to bring new opportunities for the development of nanoscience and technology.