Synthesis and characterization of CdSe nanocrystals capped with TOPO and pyridine

► Nanocrystal's ligand exchange effects on the CdSe property were investigated. ► PL peak of CdSe shows blueshift when TOPO was exchanged by pyridine on surface. ► Size decrease and re-distribution of surface electronic density cause blueshift. ► Crystallinity of CdSe was improved when TOPO was exchanged by pyridine. ► Optical properties of CdSe were improved when TOPO was substituted by pyridine.