A simple and novel route for the synthesis of water soluble ZnSe quantum dots using the Nano-Se as the reaction intermediate

A new and simple synthesis method for water soluble and low toxic ZnSe QDs is presented in this paper. N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) is chosen as the stabilizer of ZnSe QDs and reducing agent of Na2SeO3 in one reaction system. The reaction intermediate Nano-Se generated by the redox reaction between NAC and Na2SeO3 is used as the Se source. The water soluble ZnSe QDs obtained by our synthesis method show blue-green light emission. The effects of the pH, stabilizer concentration and synthesis time on the photoluminescence (PL) intensity of ZnSe QDs are also investigated. This new synthesis method simplifies the reaction steps, enhances the utilization rate of chemicals and reduces the cost.

► A novel method is developed to synthesis water soluble ZnSe quantum dots. ► The Nano-Se is utilized as the reaction intermediate. ► The size of ZnSe QDs is less than 10 nm. ► The emission spectrum of ZnSe QDs is blue-green color 470 – 484 nm.