A facile hybrid route to luminescent ZnTe nanoparticles

We report a simple route to HDA capped ZnTe nanoparticles using NaHTe and ZnCl2 as the tellurium and zinc sources respectively. The solution based high temperature route employs the use of readily available starting reagents. The particles synthesized at reaction temperatures of 230 °C and 270 °C were spherical in shape. The blue shift in the absorption spectra confirms that the particles undergo quantum confinement. The photoluminescence studies show that the particles emit at a wavelengths close to their band edge.

► The synthesis of HDA capped ZnTe nanoparticles by a simple method is reported.
► The absorption spectra are blue shifted from the bulk.
► Photoluminescence studies show emission peaks near the band edge.
► The particles are spherical in shape and crystalline in nature.