Temperature dependent synthesis and optical properties of CdSe quantum dots

The CdSe quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized at various temperatures in aqueous solution. The as-synthesized QDs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) method and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and their optical properties were assessed via ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption spectrum and fluorescence spectrum. The results showed that the reaction temperature could significantly influence the band gap, particle size, and spectral behaviors of the QDs. With the increase of the temperature from room temperature to 90 °C, the band gap of the QDs linearly decreased, corresponding to an essential increase of particle size as well as variable spectral behaviors. In particular, the starting temperature had an important effect on the QDs synthesis and their optical properties. From a viewpoint of wide controls of fluorescence color and intensity, a reaction temperature range of 17–90 °C was appropriate for the synthesis of the CdSe QDs.