Microfluidic synthesis of quantum dots: Design, mechanism, properties and applications

Review article, 2026

Solution phase-synthesized quantum dots (QDs) are regarded as a promising material with enormous application potential in displays, lighting, bioimaging technologies, clean energy devices, photocatalysis, quantum information processing, etc. However, traditional batch-based QD synthesis techniques face challenges in achieving reproducibility and scalability with precision. Microfluidics allow for precise control of reaction parameters, which is crucial for rapid QD synthesis, optimization, and large-scale production. This review focuses on the microfluidic synthesis of QDs and their performance regulation, providing a comprehensive and detailed overview of latest advancements in the field, including the design of microfluidic system, continuous synthesis, in-situ characterization, performance regulation and data-driven optimization of QDs, as well as the latest application of microfluidic synthesized QDs. This is particularly crucial for advancing the controllable synthesis and functional customization of QDs. Importantly, we present the challenges, future directions and opportunities for further development in the field, with the aim of enhancing the quality of QDs and advancing microfluidic synthesis technology, thereby promoting their application across diverse fields. This review serves not only as a systematic synthesis and critical appraisal of existing research, but also as an essential bridge between fundamental research and industrial application, thereby playing an indispensable role in advancing the efficient, reproducible, and functionally customizable production of QDs for widespread technological impact.