Chemical approaches to semiconductor nanocrystals

I discuss the chemistry and physics of semiconductor nanocrystals. Various physical size regimes are outlined in both spectroscopic and kinetic properties. There is a solvation effect on electron transport kinetics due to the electric field of the moving carrier. The importance of chemical synthesis is emphasized with regard to both single nanocrystals, and self-assembled 'supercrystals' of nanocrystals. The potential metastability of nanocrystals at standard temperature and pressure (STP)I in unusual crystal structures thermodynamically stable only at high pressure, is suggested. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.