MIR emission of ZnSe:Fe nanocrystals (NCs) has drawn great attention in the scientific community. Since surface defects of synthesized ZnSe:Fe NCs quench luminescence emissions in the MIR, several modifications have been applied in order to acquire optimal nanocrystals and satisfactory PL measurements. For example, a different synthetic route for obtaining large NCs was carried out. In addition, re-crystallization of as-synthesized NCs into larger crystals, as well as synthesis of NCs without surfactant, have been tried. Using different synthetic routes can bring other chemicals into the ZnSe system. After several days of re-crystallization, the final ZnSe:Fe products turned to orange brown in color, which is not indicative of pure ZnSe:Fe NCs. Using the current synthetic method, without surfactant, the MIR signal from the ZnSe:Fe has increased, and background noise from the surfactant previously used is greatly reduced. MIR transmittances measured with a Vis-NIR-MIR 5000 Cary Spectrometer and FTIR confirm that detached surfactants in the microemulsion solution do absorb Fe<sup>2+</sup> during the synthesis process, prohibiting Fe<sup>2+</sup> from incorporating into the ZnSe host matrix, thus quenching PL. A comparison of transmittance spectra from ZnSe:Fe NCs with and without the surfactant was made. The studies also show that both nano- and bulk- ZnSe:Fe exhibit PL emission in the MIR region. More detailed information will be presented.

Investigation of ZnSe:Fe NCs: Synthesis approach, size, surfactant and characterization

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ACS Fall 2022

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