Reverse micelle-derived Cu-doped Zn1−xCdxS quantum dots and their core/shell structure

Reverse micelle chemistry-derived Cu-doped Zn1−xCdxS quantum dots (QDs) with the composition (x) of 0, 0.5, 1 are reported. The Cu emission was found to be dependent on the host composition of QDs. While a dim green/orange emission was observed from ZnS:Cu QDs, a relatively strong red emission could be obtained from CdS:Cu and Zn0.5Cd0.5S:Cu QDs. Luminescent properties of undoped QDs versus Cu-doped ones and quantum yields of alloyed ZnCdS versus CdS QDs are compared and discussed. To enhance Cu-related red emission of CdS:Cu and Zn0.5Cd0.5S:Cu core QDs, core/shell structured QDs with a wider band gap of ZnS shell are also demonstrated.

Graphical abstractA 0.45 nm thick ZnS shell was overcoated on Zn0.5Cd0.5S:Cu core QDs, resulting in 9.4% of quantum yield from core/shell QDs.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (110 K)Download as PowerPoint slide