Atomic- and molecular-level modulation of Mn2+-related emission using atomically-precise metal chalcogenide semiconductor nanoclusters

Mn2+-doped semiconductor luminescent materials have garnered considerable attention due to the unique optical properties derived from both the intrinsic host and Mn2+ dopants. This combination provides greater flexibility in modulating the photoluminescence of Mn2+ dopants. Over the past three decades, significant efforts have been devoted to manipulating Mn2+-related emission across various semiconductor host materials, spanning from metal chalcogenide nanocrystals to halide perovskite nanocrystals and metal chalcogenide supertetrahedral nanoclusters (MCSNs). Among these, MCSNs emerge as a distinctive model characterized by homogeneous host sizes, precise dopant location, and ordered linking modes. This unique structure enables a deeper understanding of the atomic- and molecular-level modulation mechanism of Mn2+-related emission, compared to that of classical Mn2+-doped nanocrystals. In this review, we delve into the current developments in the photoluminescence investigation of Mn2+-doped/containing MCSNs, with a specific focus on the modulation of Mn2+-related emission performance, including aspects such as emission wavelength, intensity, decay lifetime, and efficiency. The discussion also explores the underlying modulation mechanisms, benefiting from the site accuracy of Mn2+ dopants in MCSNs. Finally, prospective challenges and research tasks for future exploration in this field have been elaborated.