Stable and luminescent wurtzite CdS, ZnS and CdS/ZnS core/shell quantum dots

Abstract

This article presents first report on the highly stable and luminescent wurtzite CdS, ZnS and CdS/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) where the role of precursor selection at room temperature is the key. X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical absorbance spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy have been employed in order to characterize these QDs. XRD indicates the formation of wurtzite CdS, ZnS and CdS/ZnS system. Broadening in XRD peaks revealed the reduction in particle size such as 4.2, 5.2 and 5.8 nm for CdS, ZnS and CdS/ZnS, respectively, compared to their bulk counterparts. Blue shift in absorbance has been observed in each case as particles size decreases. The photoluminescence intensity emission of CdS/ZnS core/shell was strongly superior from that observed in individual CdS and ZnS nanoparticles. We also propose that the core and shell interface leads to favourable conditions that instigate photoluminescence emission in CdS/ZnS core/shell system. One notable result of this work obtained from the photoluminescence analysis is the significant reduction in full width at half maxima, in emission peak of core/shell structure which shows the enhanced monochromaticity. We have found that OH, CH2 and C–O functional groups are present on the QDs surface and that is why these QDs can be easily attachable to biomolecules. TEM analysis has been employed for confirmation of particle size and found to be 5.3, 5.8 and 6.2 nm for CdS, ZnS and CdS/ZnS structures, respectively.