Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanocrystals that display impressive optical properties. Due to their size, these particles possess highly tunable properties such as the band gap, emission spectrum, and absorption spectrum. These crystals have recently gained attention in applications such as bio-imaging, LEDs and photovoltaic cells. In this project, CdSSe and CdSTe QDs were prepared in a MARS 6 microwave assisted system. For the synthesis, thioglycolic acid, cadmium nitrate, reduced selenium (by sodium sulphite reducing agent) and reduced tellurium (by NaBH4 reducing agent) were used as precursors. The solution was placed in a reaction vessel and irradiated during two steps: pre-heating step and reaction step (180°C). The samples were analyzed by photoluminescence, UV-Vis spectrophotometry and Infrared analyses. The CdSSe QDs presented an emission wavelength of 560nm and an absorption wavelength of 450nm. The CdSTe QDs had an emission wavelength of 640nm and an absorption wavelength of 385nm. FT-IR spectrums showed the presence of thiol residues. The QDs characterized will be used in future photodegration experiments of common environmental pollutants.

Characterization of CdSSe and CdSTe quantum dots prepared via microwave assisted synthesis

251st National Meeting (2016)

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