Synthesis, characterization and application of CdSe quantum dots

Contrary to popularly prepared cadmium selenide (CdSe) quantum dots (QDs) at temperatures above 200 °C, we here report synthesis of CdSe QDs at room temperature and above using wet-chemical method. Also we have used a much safer binder than the commonly used TOPO/TBPO. Controlling the size and shape of the nanocrystals allows us to control their bandgap over a wide range and thus, QDs can be prepared that can absorb and emit light over the entire frequency range of the solar spectrum. The prepared CdSe QDs were characterized by UV–Vis absorption, PL spectra, XRD and TEM. Particle size was also calculated according to the Brus equation. We have fabricated a dye sensitized solar cell using our CdSe QDs which shows a maximum efficiency of 0.22% at 1 Sun condition.