Spectral and photochemical characteristics of CdSe nanoparticles stabilized in polymer-containing media

The optical characteristics of CdSe nanoparticles, produced in aqueous solutions and polymer films in the reaction of cadmium chloride and sodium selenosulfate, were studied. The main parameters that make it possible to vary the forbidden band width were identified. The absorption, photoluminescence, Raman, and nonstationary decolorization spectra of CdSe nanoparticles of various sizes were analyzed. It was demonstrated that under the conditions of pulsed irradiation the CdSe nanoparticles are capable of accumulating excess electrons and inducing redox transformations in components of the solution (oxygen, methylviologen, and sulfite ions). __________ Translated from Teoreticheskaya i éksperimental’naya Khimiya, Vol. 42, No. 3, pp. 150–155, May–June, 2006.     

Synthesis and characterization of water-soluble CdSe nanoparticles capped by AOT

Water-soluble CdSe nanoparticles were synthesized using AOT (sodium bis(2-ethylehexyl)-sulfosuccinate) as stabilizer, cadmium acetate and Na2SeSO3 as precursors in aqueous phase. The influence of some key factors, such as reaction time, temperature, concentration and molar ratio of precursors on the optical properties of CdSe nanoparticles was systematically investigated through UV-Vis and PL spectra. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to characterize the crystalline structure of synthesized CdSe nanoparticles. As-prepared CdSe nanoparticles exhibit an apparent quantum confinement effect and typical hexagonal wurtzite structures. Finally, the optimal experimental conditions were obtained.     

Preparation of colloidal CdSe and CdS/CdSe nanoparticles from sodium selenosulfate in aqueous polymers solutions

Cadmium selenide nanoparticles formation at the interaction between CdCl2 and Na2SeSO3 in aqueous solutions of sodium polyphosphate and gelatin has been studied. Structural and optical properties of CdSe nanoparticles have been characterized. It has been shown that the temperature and the ratio of reagents concentrations are the basic parameters, controlling the size of CdSe nanoparticles. Photocatalytic activity of CdS nanoparticles in Na2SeSO3 reduction has been found and investigated; structural and optical properties of binary CdS/CdSe nanoparticles have been characterized. This photoreaction, when carried out in the presence of CdCl2, results in the formation of composite CdS/CdSe nanoparticles. It has been shown that slow interaction of adsorbed selenosulfate with surface-trapped CdS conduction band electrons is the limiting stage of the photocatalytic reaction.     

Effect of linker on the photosensitization of ZnO layers with CdSe quantum dots

In this work, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (size <10 nm) were formed via precipitation in ethanolic solution. The zinc acetate and lithium hydroxide solutions in ethanol were mixed at 273 K temperatures under vigorous stirring. To study the effect of quantum dot (QD) coverage, we have prepared a colloidal suspension of capped CdSe QDs (size ~5 nm) by chemical route and anchored them to a nanoporous ZnO layer either by direct adsorption or through linker. Here a bifunctional molecule (mercaptopropionic acid, MPA, and thioglycolic acid, TGA) was previously adsorbed on the ZnO surface, which acted as a molecular cable. From TEM/SEM studies, it was observed that direct adsorption of CdSe QDs onto ZnO surface was not efficient. However, the bifunctional linker molecules particularly MPA facilitates binding of CdSe QDs to ZnO; and consequently, interparticle electron transfer is thus facilitated. The use of MPA linker despite of its long carbon chain also aids in the quenching of photoluminescence of CdSe on addition of ZnO in a more systematic manner indicating efficient charge transfer from CdSe into ZnO as compared with the without linker and with linker TGA case, respectively. Due to higher PL quenching and reduction in lifetime values, higher values of Stern–Volmer quenching constants were thus obtained for CdSe–ZnO composites with MPA as compared with TGA linker and without linker case, respectively. Nonlinear Stern–Volmer plots as observed for samples without linker case indicated heterogeneous quenching due to insufficient binding between CdSe QDs and ZnO. By means of spectroscopic (PL, UV–VIS, FTIR) and microscopic (TEM, SEM) techniques, we have demonstrated linker-dependent photosensitization mechanism of ZnO layers with CdSe QDs. Our data thus illustrate that interfacial-electron transfer kinetics in QD–linker–ZnO assemblies are almost independent of the length of alkyl-containing molecular linkers.     

Synthesis and characterization of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles in hybrid micelles of poly[styrene-<Emphasis Type="Italic">block</Emphasis>-(ethylene oxide)] and sodium dodecyl sulfate

Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles are synthesized in hybrid micelles of poly[styrene-block-(ethylene oxide)] and sodium dodecyl sulfate in water at room temperature. The nanoparticles are prepared by the chemical precipitation method via the exchange reaction between iron and cobalt salts with sodium dodecyl sulfate and the redox reaction under the action of an aqueous solution of methylamine. As evidenced by small-angle X-ray scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and ferromagnetic resonance examination, cobalt ferrite nanoparticles occurring in hybrid micelles of the block copolymer and sodium dodecyl sulfate are polydisperse (their size is 0.3–50 nm) and ferromagnetic.     

Studies of optical and structural properties of CdSe/polymer nanocomposites: evidence of charge transfer and photostability

In this work, the role of conducting [poly (p-phenylinevinylene) (PPV)] and nonconducting (polystyrene) polymers on the properties of their respective composites with CdSe quantum dots of varied sizes has been investigated. The emission and structural properties of polymer–CdSe composites are found to be dependent on the crystallite size and morphology of CdSe nanocrystallites. Smaller CdSe quantum dots (size, ∼5 nm) ensures efficient charge transfer process across polymer–CdSe interface as evident by almost complete quenching of photoluminescence (PL) emission as compared to larger CdSe quantum dots (size, ∼7 nm). Presence of residual trioctylphosphine (TOP)/ tri-n-octylphosphine-oxide (TOPO) species and agglomeration of particles act as a hindrance for quenching of emission and hence charge transfer for larger CdSe nanocrystallites. Emission studies indicated an increased conjugation length for PPV polymers in different solvents (toluene, pyridine) and in solid state. Nonconducting polymer polystyrene shows charge transfer across polymer–CdSe interface as well. However, polystyrene polymer has a shorter chain length, which ensures maximum coverage on the surface of CdSe nanocrystallites and provides better photostability to CdSe QDs within the polymer matrix as compared to that for PPV–CdSe nanocomposites.     

Photocatalytic Reduction of Zn(II) with Participation of ZnS Nanoparticles

We have studied the photochemical processes occurring in colloidal ZnS solutions containing zinc chloride and sodium sulfite as additives. Irradiation of such systems leads to reduction of Zn(II), the rate of which increases as the size of the ZnS nanoparticles decreases. Based on analysis of the kinetic curves for the reaction, we hypothesize that photoreduction of Zn(II) is a two-electron process. __________ Translated from Teoreticheskaya i Eksperimental'naya Khimiya, Vol. 41, No. 4, pp. 231–235, July–August, 2005.     

Photocatalytic Synthesis of Composite CdSe/CdS Nanoparticles

We have shown that CdSe/CdS nanocomposites can be obtained in a photocatalytic reaction with participation of CdS nanoparticles from sodium selenosulfate. We have studied the kinetic characteristics of this process in detail and have shown that its most likely mechanism includes a step involving reaction between SeSO^3/2− anions and electrons generated in the conduction band of the CdS nanoparticles during irradiation and stabilized in traps on the semiconductor surface.__________Translated from Teoreticheskaya i Eksperimental’naya Khimiya, Vol. 41, No. 3, pp. 171–175, May–June, 2005.     

Role of surface modification of colloidal CdSe quantum dots on the properties of hybrid organic–inorganic nanocomposites

In this work, tri-octyl phosphine/tri-octyl phosphine oxide (TOPO)-capped cadmium selenide (CdSe) quantum dots (QDs) of varied sizes (5–9 nm), prepared by varying the input Cd:Se precursor ratio using chemical route, were dispersed in conducting polymer matrices viz. poly[2-methoxy, 5-(2-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] (MEH-PPV) and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT). By using a binary solvent mixture (pyridine–chloroform), homogeneous dispersion of CdSe nanocrystals in polymers (MEH-PPV, P3HT) could be realized. The properties of the resulting dispersions could be tailored by the composition and concentration of QDs in polymer. The emission and structural properties of polymer–CdSe nanocomposites are found to be dependent on the crystallite size and morphology of CdSe nanocrystallites. An effective quenching of photoluminescence emission in the polymer nanocomposite was observed for smaller CdSe quantum dots (size ∼6 nm) as compared to larger CdSe quantum dots (size ∼9 nm), thus ensuring efficient charge transfer process across the polymer–CdSe interface in the former case. The incomplete quenching, particularly for MEH-PPV:CdSe nanocomposites, could be as a result of insufficient coverage of polymers on the surface of CdSe nanocrystallites, mainly due to phase segregation for TOPO-stripped CdSe nanocrystallites. The superior morphology and optical properties of polymer nanocomposite (P3HT:CdSe QDs) could play a pivotal role for the realization of effective charge separation and transport in hybrid solar cells.     

Photogeneration of nanosized gold on the surface of mesoporous silica modified by benzophenone

We have studied the photocatalytic activity of porous silicas (silica gel, mesoporous sol-gel films) modified by benzophenone molecules, in the reaction of reduction of gold from tetrachloroaurate ions. Stable colloids of nanosized gold were obtained as a result of irradiating aqueous alcoholic solutions of HAuCl₄·3H₂O in the presence of the photocatalyst SiO₂-BP using as the stabilizers: a colloidal solution of silica (Ludox) or the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). We have studied the effect of the stabilizer on the kinetics of the photoreduction reaction, and also on the shape and size of the nanoparticles formed. __________ Translated from Teoreticheskaya i éksperimental’naya Khimiya, Vol. 41, No. 6, pp. 348–353, November–December, 2005.     

Gold modified cadmium sulfide aerogels

Monolithic aerogels composed of cadmium sulfide nanoparticles partially modified with metallic gold (CdS-Au) are reported. The semiconductor–metal nanoparticles are synthesized using an inverse micelle media of Bis-(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate sodium salt (AOT) in heptane, followed by capping with 4-fluorothiophenol and precipitation with triethylamine. The nanoparticles are then dispersed in acetone and gel formation is achieved using nanoparticle condensation strategy. The resultant CdS-Au aerogel materials are mesoporous, with an interconnected network of semiconductor–metal nanoparticles. A detailed microstructure analysis of the semiconductor–metal aerogels via transmission electron microscopy indicates that the final gold concentration significantly impacts the semiconductor–metal aerogel morphology and porosity.     

The effect of fructose derived carbon shells on the plasmon resonance and stability of silver nanoparticles

Carbon nanoparticles between 10 and 50 nm in diameter and carbon shells of various thickness around silver nanoparticles were synthesized by the hydrothermal reaction of fructose. The effect of the carbon shells on the plasmon resonance of the silver nanoparticles and their stability in sodium chloride solutions was investigated. The shell thickness can be adjusted to have insignificant damping of the plasmon resonance and provide stabilization of the particles in solutions with high ionic strength. Hydrazine–carbonyl cross-linking reactions were performed to link fluorescent dye molecules to carbonyl groups on the carbon shell surface.     

The effect of PbS nanoparticles on the formation of PbSe in aqueous solutions of sodium selenosulfate and lead(II)

It was established that PbS nanoparticles significantly increase the rate of formation of lead selenide during the reaction of Pb(NO₃)₂ and Na₂SeSO₃ in aqueous solutions of polymers. It was shown that the reaction product consists of PbS/PbSe nanoparticles with a “PbS core-PbSe shell” structure. A correlation was found between the forbidden band widths of the PbS nanoparticles and the PbS/PbSe nanostructures formed during the reaction. __________ Translated from Teoreticheskaya i éksperimental’naya Khimiya, Vol. 42, No. 6, pp. 339–344, November–December, 2006.     

Preparation and characterization of acrylic polymer–nanogold nanocomposites from 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane encapsulated gold nanoparticles

In this study, acrylic polymer–nanogold nanocomposites and their cast films were prepared from an acrylic copolymer and 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) stabilized gold nanoparticles by a sol–gel reaction. The acrylic copolymer was synthesized from methyl methacrylate (MMA) and 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (MSMA). The Si–OMe groups of MPS on the surface of gold nanoparticles (MPS–Au) provided the further reaction with the same groups of MSMA, hence the covalent bonds between polymers and MPS–Au nanoparticles were formed. FE-SEM images show MPS–Au nanoparticles are dispersed well in the prepared nanocomposites, and no large aggregation is occurred. TGA results indicate that the decomposed temperatures (T_d) of low Au-content (0.1 wt.%) nanocomposites are higher than these of the acrylic copolymer and high Au-content (1.0 wt.%) nanocomposites. The temperature of maximum decomposed rate (T_p) of each prepared nanocomposite is higher than that of the acrylic copolymer. The hardness of the cast film increases with increasing the Au content. The results show the improved thermal stability and application potentials of the prepared acrylic polymer–nanogold nanocomposites.     

Effect of mercaptopropionic acid as linker on structural,thermal, and optical properties of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–CdSe nanocomposites

In this study, we have studied the stability of TiO₂–CdSe nanocomposites in which the individual moieties are linked using a bifunctional linker (mercaptopropionic acid). Nanoparticles of TiO₂ and CdSe are synthesized by sol–gel and one pot methods. The equimolar amount of the above particles is utilized to prepare nanocomposites with and without linker. These samples are characterized for their structural, thermal, and optical properties using X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The average particle size of TiO₂ and CdSe are 16 and 23 nm, respectively. The addition of a bifunctional linker shows remarkable effect on the properties of TiO₂–CdSe nanocomposites.     

Structure and spectral-optical characteristics of Se,Se/CdS,and Se/Cd<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Zn<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>S nanoparticles,stabilized in polymer-containing media

A method was proposed for the production of colloidal nanoparticles of selenium stabilized by polymers and surfactants, and their structural and optical characteristics were studied. It was shown that during the deposition of CdS and Cd_0.5Zn_0.5S on the surface of the Se nanoparticles followed by dissolution of the selenium with sodium sulfite it is possible to obtain network “nanoframeworks” with size 30–50 nm, formed by CdS or Cd_0.5Zn_0.5S particles measuring 3–5 nm. __________ Translated from Teoreticheskaya i éksperimental’naya Khimiya, Vol. 43, No. 1, pp. 24–29, January–February, 2007.     

Photoinduced variations in the size of nanoparticles of CdS in colloidal solutions

The possibility of decreasing the size of colloidal nanoparticles of CdS in the oxidative photocorrosion reaction in the presence of methylviologen and of increasing their size during photocatalytic reduction of sulfur in ethanol in the presence of cadmium acetate. A dependence of the quantum yield of the latter reaction on the initial size of CdS nanoparticles was observed, which was interpreted as a result of quantum size effects. __________ Translated from Teoreticheskaya i éksperimental’naya Khimiya, Vol. 43, No. 3, pp. 170–175, May–June, 2007.     

A rapid and universal bacteria-counting approach using CdSe/ZnS/SiO2 composite nanoparticles as fluorescence probe

In this paper, a rapid, simple, and sensitive method was described for detection of the total bacterial count using SiO₂-coated CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) as a fluorescence marker that covalently coupled with bacteria using glutaraldehyde as the crosslinker. Highly luminescent CdSe/ZnS were prepared by applying cadmium oxide and zinc stearate as precursors instead of pyrophoric organometallic precursors. A reverse-microemulsion technique was used to synthesize CdSe/ZnS/SiO₂ composite nanoparticles with a SiO₂ surface coating. Our results showed that CdSe/ZnS/SiO₂ composite nanoparticles prepared with this method possessed highly luminescent, biologically functional, and monodispersive characteristics, and could successfully be covalently conjugated with the bacteria. As a demonstration, it was found that the method had higher sensitivity and could count bacteria in 3 × 10² CFU/mL, lower than the conventional plate counting and organic dye-based method. A linear relationship of the fluorescence peak intensity (Y) and the total bacterial count (X) was established in the range of 3 × 10²–10⁷ CFU/mL using the equation Y = 374.82X − 938.27 (R = 0.99574). The results of the determination for the total count of bacteria in seven real samples were identical with the conventional plate count method, and the standard deviation was satisfactory.     

Structural and optical characteristics of CdxZn1−x S nanoparticles stabilized in aqueous solutions of polymers

The structural and optical characteristics of Cd_xZn_1−xS nanoparticles, produced in aqueous solutions of sodium polyphosphate, polyvinyl alcohol, and gelatin, were studied. It was shown that the stoichiometric ratio of Cd(II) and Zn(II) in the nanoparticles can differ from that in the initial mixture. It was established that the main factors determining the final size of the Cd_xZn_1−xS nanoparticles are the nature and concentration of the polymer, the ratio of the initial concentrations of the reagents, and the temperature and duration of the post-synthesis treatment of the colloids. __________ Translated from Teoreticheskaya i éksperimental’naya Khimiya, Vol. 42, No. 3, pp. 168–172, May–June, 2006.     

6-巯基烟酸修饰的CdSe纳米晶的合成及应用

以6-巯基烟酸(6-MNA)为修饰剂,在水溶液中合成CdSe纳米晶,考察了pH值、反应物不同配比、反应温度及反应时间等条件对合成CdSe纳米晶荧光强度的影响,获得最佳合成条件为:反应物配比Cd2+∶HSe-∶6-MNA=1∶0.5∶3,溶液pH值为9.70,回流温度60℃,回流时间30min。透射电镜观察所合成的纳米晶形貌为树状,与传统的球状不同,激发及发射波长分别位于400nm和543nm,与传统的球状纳米晶相似。同时考察了缓冲溶液的体积与pH值、反应温度、反应时间对体系荧光强度的影响。在最佳实验条件下,体系的荧光强度与牛血清白蛋白(BSA)的浓度呈线性关系,线性范围为0～4.5×10-7mol/L,相关系数R=0.9851,检出限为1.0×10-8mol/L。该方法用于合成样及实际样品的测定,结果令人满意。