Synthesis of Ag doped ZnlnSe ternary quantum dots with tunable emission

Abstract

We reported the synthesis of water soluble, non-toxic, and extremely stable Ag doped ZnInSe quantum dots (QDs) with adjustable emission colors. Proper doping ratio and solution pH were important in preparing highly luminescent Ag:ZnInSe QDs, whereas the molar ratio of In/Zn contributed to the adjustable emission wavelength from 504 nm to 585 nm. An amazing property of as-prepared QDs was their extremely high stability. No obvious PL decrease was observed in Ag:ZnInSe QDs even after irradiation for several months in an ambient atmosphere under room light or ultraviolet light. Due to the extremely high stability, good biocompatibility, low cytotoxicity, and tunable emission, as-prepared Ag:ZnInSe QDs were expected to be applicable in optical coding, white light-emitting diode (LED), and bio-imaging.