Solvent Dipole Engineering Enables Large Quantum Dot Processing for Scalable Short-Wave Infrared Optoelectronics

Semiconducting quantum dots (QDs) are key building blocks for optoelectronics, with tunable properties that depend on their size, shape, and surface chemistry. Large lead sulfide (PbS) QDs are particularly attractive for short-wave infrared (SWIR) optoelectronics, yet their processability is hindered by neutral facets, which compromise colloidal stability during liquid-phase ligand exchange and often lead to a collapse of the colloidal ink prior to processing. Herein, we demonstrate that solvent dipole engineering is an effective route for the scalable processing of large PbS QDs, eliminating the need for a layer-by-layer ligand exchange. The approach is utilized to fabricate SWIR-active photovoltaic diodes and photodetectors responsive over a broad spectral range, paving the way for their scalable production and commercialization.