Synthesis of Cu-In-S/ZnS Quantum Dots in Aqueous Phase by Microwave Irradiation

Abstract

Recently various nanomaterials have been prepared using the microwave irradiation technology because of its advantages over conventional thermal decomposition methods such as the precise control of reaction temperature, lower energy consumption, and target-oriented uniform heating. In this study, water-soluble Cu-In-S/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (QDs) with average size in the range 3.5-3.7 nm were successfully synthesized in aqueous phase by microwave irradiation. L-glutathione and trisodium citrate dihydrate were used as a stabilizer between indium and copper ions. A strong photoluminescence (PL) emission peak was observed from the QDs prepared in weak acidic conditions. With longer reaction times and higher In/Cu ratios, we observed redshift in the PL spectra.