Wurtzite ZnSe quantum dots: Synthesis, characterization and PL properties

One-pot, facile solution phase approach is explored for the fabrication of uniform and nearly monodispersed colloidal ZnSe semiconductor quantum dots (QDs). ZnSe QDs have been synthesized by wet chemical, template free process by Zink acetate and elemental Selenium powder in presence of ethylene glycol, hydrazine hydrate and a defined amount of water at 70C. The product was in strong quantum confinement regime, having yield as high as 80%. The phase analysis, purity and morphology of the product has been well studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectroscopy, Photo-luminescent spectroscopy (PL), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques to show that we obtain nearly monodispersed size distribution. X-ray diffraction pattern indicates that ZnSe QDs possess Wurtzite (Hexagonal) structure. Transmission electron microscopy images showed that the diameters are in the range of 1 nm. Due to their high refractive index and absence of absorption in the visible region, the monodispersed ZnSe QDs could be potential building blocks to construct functional devices and photonic band gap crystals.