Hierarchical CdSe–gold hybrid nanocrystals: synthesis and optical properties

Abstract

The synthesis of hybrid nanostructures with controlled size, shape, composition and morphology has attracted increasing attention due to the fundamental and applicable interest. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis and optical properties of hierarchical CdSe–Au hybrid nanostructures with zinc blende (ZB) CdSe nanocrystals (NCs). For 3.5 nm ZB CdSe NCs, one Au cluster was deposited on each CdSe NC. Nevertheless, several Au clusters were selectively deposited on the apexes of 5 nm and 8 nm ZB CdSe NCs, resulting from the different reactivity of crystal facets. Furthermore, hierarchical CdSe–Au nanostructures with complex morphology were organized with the isolated CdSe–Au hybrid NCs by the coalescence of Au domains on the CdSe–Au hybrid NCs. UV-Vis spectra revealed a red tail upon the deposition of Au clusters. The chemical joint of Au on CdSe NCs was further confirmed by fluorescence quenching. The optical limiting performance of CdSe–Au hybrid NCs dispersed in toluene was investigated at 532 nm using a Nd:YAG laser with the pulse width of 8 ns.