PbTe quantum dots formation in a novel germanate glass

•PbTe QDs were precipitated in a novel germanate glass matrix through thermal treatment.•PbTe QDs size increased from 3.3 to 5.9 nm with the increasing in the annealing temperature.•The band gap energy Eopt. has been increased with decrease in the QD size.•These new materials will find application in telecommunications and fiberoptic communications.

The formation of PbTe quantum dots (QDs) in a novel germanate glass matrix is investigated. The QDs were characterized by optical absorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The dependence of the size of PbTe QDs on the heat-treatment temperature is identified. We have found that PbTe QDs size increase from 3.3 to 5.9 nm with the increasing in the annealing temperature. X-ray measurements showed a formation of PbTeO3 layer at the interface between the surface of the nanoparticles and the host glass matrix.