Aqueous synthesis of high-fluorescence CdZnTe alloyed quantum dots

High luminescent CdZnTe quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized by a one-step aqueous method using 3-mercapto propionic acid (MPA) as a stabilizer. The as-prepared samples are in good homogeneity and dispersity with an average particle size of 5 nm. Accordingly, the size and composition-dependent fluorescent emission wavelength of the resultant CdZnTe alloyed QDs can be continuously tuned from 490 to 660 nm. Compared with the difficult acquisition of CdZnTe QDs with a high Zn/Cd molar ratio in alkaline condition, CdZnTe QDs with a Zn/Cd molar ratio from 1 to 7 has been obtained in weak acid condition by adjusting the pH value of precursor solution. The maximum quantum yield has reached nearly 80% without any post-treatment. And it also showed excellent stability against time.