Low temperature synthesis of metal chalcogenide nanoparticles in mesitylene

We report a new method for the synthesis of zinc and cadmium chalcogenide nanoparticles. The materials are prepared in mesitylene using phosphines, phosphine oxides or amines as capping agents. The low temperature (150 °C) and low concentrations of capping agent, and the use of conventional solvents make this method of particular interest for the manufacture of nanomaterials. Furthermore, the data reported here allow trends in reactivity to be studied and also allow the synthesis of ZnSe which is typically prepared at >250 °C.