Metal Chalcogenides

Alkali-metal–based ternary chalcogenides (ABZ) have emerged as a highly versatile class of functional materials for next-generation energy storage and conversion technologies. These materials can be synthesised from earth-abundant, non-toxic and environmentally benign elements. The incorporation of chalcogens (S, Se and Te) into ABZ nanocrystals gives them tunable optoelectronic, thermoelectric and ionic transport properties. As chalcogen frameworks accommodate a wide range of ternary compositions, they enable extensive chemical flexibility.  

Our group has shown that chalcogenide precursor chemistry plays a critical role in achieving controlled nanocrystal synthesis, enabling the formation of materials with desirable characteristics such as low thermal conductivity and favourable electron-transport behaviour. The intrinsic chemical and structural features of chalcogens therefore underpin our efforts toward developing the next generation of materials for energy storage and conversion.