Fig. 4: Schematic illustration of surface treatment processes.

a NCs capped with X-type organic ligands were treated with metal salts (Sample I) and subsequently modified by L-type organic ligands (Sample II). b NCs capped with both X-type organic ligands and TPP were treated with metal salts (Sample III) and subsequently modified by L-type organic ligands (Sample V). c NCs with metal atoms occupying the majority of surface area (NPLs) were treated with metal salts and subsequently modified by L-type organic ligands (Sample V).