Thesis (PhD(Energy and Advanced Manufacturing))--University of South Australia, 2016. Includes bibliographical references (pages 105-106) This thesis is mainly focused on the synthesis and characterisation of nanoparticles, particularly CuInS2 QDs. There are many reports in the literature that involve the synthesis of CuInS2 QDs using an organic approach. However, these syntheses result in particles that requires further treatment such as ligand exchange, polymer coating and other methods to make them hydrophilic that may result in the loss of quantum yield or reduce their luminescence, which is not desirable. Hence having an aqueous route would be desirable. To achieve this, we have developed a “green” method to synthesise CuInS2 QDs from air-stable and low-toxicity precursors that uses water as a solvent.