New methodology for obtaining CdTe quantum dots by using ultrasound

Luminescent CdTe quantum dots (Qdots) have been produced at few minutes by using a new, simple and fast methodology in an aqueous medium by using ultrasound irradiation to accelerate the process of tellurium reduction. The structural and optical properties were characterized by TEM, XRD, absorption and fluorescence spectrocopy. The produced Qdots are in a strong quantum confinement regime and have only one fluorescence band. Moreover, the nanoparticles seem to be monodispersed, which is in accordance with the fluorescence results. We have developed a simple route for preparing monodispersed CdTe Qdots in an aqueous media. The use of ultrasound allows the morphology to be better controlled and the surfaces defects of Qdots to be reduced.

► Ultrasound irradiation reduce the size of tellurim powder. ► Small particles of Te are more reactive than big particles to reduction process. ► The small particles are reduced to telluride at few minutes by using NaBH4. ► Good CdTe quantum dots with diameter. ► 5 nm have been produced by using as obtained telluride source.