Quantum dots: modern methods of synthesis and optical properties

Quantum dots are the most exciting representatives of nanomaterials. They are synthesized using advanced methods of nanotechnology pertaining to both inorganic and organic chemistry. Quantum dots possess unique physical and chemical properties; therefore, they are used in very different fields of physics, chemistry, biology, engineering and medicine. It is not surprising that the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 2023 was given for discovery and synthesis of quantum dots. This review addresses modern methods for the synthesis of quantum dots and their optical properties and practical applications. In the beginning, a short insight into the history of quantum dots is given. Many gifted scientists, including chemists and physicists, were engaged in these studies. The synthesis of quantum dots in solid and liquid matrices is described in detail. Quantum dots are well-known owing to their unique optical properties; that is why the attention in the review is focused on the quantum-size effect. The causes for fascinating blinking of quantum dots and techniques for observation of a single quantum dot are considered. The last part of the review describes mportant applications of quantum dots in biology, medicine and quantum technologies.The bibliography includes 772 references.