A new synthesis of InAs quantum dots from [tBu2AsInEt2]2

Abstract

The dimer [^tBu₂AsInEt₂]₂ has been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic methods. This complex has been used as a precursor for the synthesis of InAs nanoparticles in hexadecylamine (HDA) at 280 °C. This is the first time that a single-source organometallic precursor has been used to grow InAs nanoparticles. The particles show a considerable blue shift in their optical spectra as compared to the parent bulk materials. The photoluminescence had an emission maximum at the band edge and showed a significant increase in the quantum yield as compared to those reported previously. A PXRD pattern showed the particles to be cubic InAs and HRTEM confirmed the crystalline nature of the dots with an average diameter of ca. 8.8 nm. EDAX measurements and microanalysis showed the stoichiometry of InAs nanoparticles to be close to 1 : 1.