Synthesis of multicomponent colloidal nanoparticles

This article focuses on recent research efforts in the wet-phase chemical synthesis of multicomponent colloidal nanoparticles (MCNs) that combine different constituents, such as metals, metal oxides and semiconductors. First, we present overview of the basic principles underlying the colloidal synthesis of MCNs. Then, seeded growth, galvanic replacement, ion exchange, and reverse cation exchange enabled nonepitaxial growth strategies are introduced and discussed, and some latest representative examples from our and other groups were highlighted. The outline of this synthesis part will be lattice mismatch directed interface, contact, and morphologies evolution. Moreover, synergistic interactions attained by MCNs has been recognized in catalytic, electrocatalytic, photocatalytic, and biological photodynamic therapy studies. Finally, we summarize and outlook the future of this topic. From this article, we try to facilitated the understanding of the design, synthesis of MCNs and their potential applications.