Optimization of microwave-assisted synthesis of high-quality ZnSe/ZnS core/shell quantum dots using response surface methodology

ZnSe/ZnS core/shell quantum dots were synthesized in aqueous phase using glutathione (GSH) as stabilizer via microwave irradiation. Box–Behnken design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM) were adopted to optimize the synthesis condition for maximizing the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). The QDs obtained at the optimal conditions without any post-treatment present excellent fluorescent properties with a high quantum yield up to 41% and narrow full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) (20–25 nm). The as-prepared QDs exhibited homogeneous size distribution and uniform crystallinity, which was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The core/shell structure was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). A further characterization of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy proved the binding of glutathione on the surface of QDs by thiol ligands.