Physicochemical Evaluation of the Hot-Injection Method, a Synthesis Route for Monodisperse Nanocrystals

The quintessence of the hot‐injection method, a synthesis route for monodisperse, highly luminescent semiconductor nanocrystals, is reviewed. The separate stages of nucleation and growth of the nanocrystals are discussed in the framework of classical nucleation theory and an equilibrium model proposed by Debye. We also review the numerous adaptations of the original synthesis that currently provide colloidal nanocrystals with well‐defined, size‐dependent optical, electrical, and magnetic properties. The availability of these remarkable materials is one of the most promising developments in nanoscience and nanotechnology. Suspensions of monodisperse, highly luminescent nanocrystals are currently prepared by a hot‐injection method. Due to their size‐dependent optoelectronic properties, such nanocrystals are of enormous interest. In this Review, we examine whether we can understand the results of this method at the atomic level. We also review adaptations to this method that have been proposed to prepare a variety of semiconductor and magnetic nanocrystals.