The synthesis of CdTe/ZnS core/shell quantum dots using molecular single-source precursors

Abstract

Whilst single-source precursors have emerged as an effective method of preparing semiconductor quantum dots, few single-source precursors have been employed for cadmium telluride quantum dots despite the materials exhibiting a wide range of size quantisation effects. In this paper, we explore the use Cd(TePh)₂ with amine solvents and capping agents to yield CdTe particles, and also report on the use of a common zinc dithiocarbamate to prepare a ZnS shell, making the synthetic procedure based entirely on single molecular precursors.