Generation of CdSe and CdTe nanoparticles by laser ablation in liquids

Approximately spherical nanoparticles of the II–VI semiconductor materials CdSe and CdTe have been produced successfully by laser ablation of the bulk material in several liquids. The non-stabilized suspensions of particles are characterized by absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The procedure is not strongly size-selective, radii of 7 ± 3 nm were found for CdSe and CdTe by transmission electron microscopy. Acetonitrile stabilizes the particles for several days up to weeks. Prolonged irradiation leads effectively to a reduction in particles size, in which particle agglomeration may play an important role. Ablation in degassed liquids does not have a significant effect on the absorption of the suspended particles. Photoluminescence of laser-ablated CdSe and CdTe particles was not observed.