ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Exploring the potential of InP quantum dot-based optical sensors: synthesis, properties, and applications

Mohammad Abushuhel, Magda Abdel lattif H, Shelesh Krishna Saraswat, Ali Fawzi Al-Hussainy, Mohammed Shaker, and Sharmin Smaeilpour

Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Hourani Center for Applied Scientific Research, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan

E-mail: magda.lattif@atomicmail.io

Abstract:

Indium phosphide (InP) quantum dots (QDs) are gaining attention as eco-friendly alternatives to heavy-metal-based nanomaterials for optical sensing, offering tunable optical properties and low toxicity. This review evaluates advancements in InP QD-based sensors, focusing on synthesis techniques, structural and optical properties, and sensing mechanisms. Notable results include achieving photoluminescence quantum yields up to 80% through core/shell passivation, detection limits as low as 0.5 pM for insulin in aptasensors, and 0.1 µM for tetracycline in environmental monitoring. Key challenges include complex synthesis processes, surface defects reducing quantum yield by 10–30%, limited charge separation in photoelectrochemical applications due to type-I band alignment, and selectivity issues in complex matrices. Solutions involve eco-friendly synthesis methods that reduce costs and emissions by 50–70%, ligand engineering for enhanced stability and selectivity, and advanced passivation for improved photostability. The review emphasizes scalable production through continuous-flow reactors and industrial collaborations to meet regulatory standards, positioning InP QD sensors as sustainable, high-performance platforms for environmental monitoring, biomedical diagnostics, and industrial applications. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of indium phosphide (InP) quantum dot (QD)-based optical sensors, offering a synthesis of their sensing mechanisms, applications, and comparative performance against other nanomaterials.

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-025-04480-z

Chemical Papers 80 (2) 1147–1180 (2026)