A detailed study of physical properties of ZnS quantum dots synthesized by reverse micelle method

In this article, zinc sulfide nanocrystal quantum dots were synthesized by reverse micelle method using polyvinyl pyrrolidone as surfactant. The various crystallite properties of these nanocrystals such as, size, d-spacing, lattice parameter, microstrain, intrinsic stress, X-ray density, specific surface area, dislocation density, porosity, and agglomeration number have been analyzed using X-ray diffraction spectrum. The transmission electron microscopy was used to calculate the size and monitoring morphology of the nanocrystals, while the scanning electron microscopy was utilized to investigate the surface morphology of nanoclusters. The various optical properties of zinc sulfide quantum dots such as absorption coefficient, extinction coefficient, optical band gap energy, Urbach energy, and threshold wavelength have been analyzed using UV-visible data. The photoluminescence was used to study the emission spectra of produced ZnS quantum dots. Moreover, Furrier Transform-Infrared studies revealed that ZnS quantum dots are pure.     

Template-directed nucleation and growth of CdS nanocrystal: the role of helical and nonhelical nanofibers on their shape and size

This study describes the use of chiral nature of synthetic self-assembled nanofibers for nucleation and growth of Cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanocrystals with different sizes and shapes in room temperature. The templates are built by immobilizing a peptide capping agent on the surface of synthetic self-assembled helical or nonhelical nanofibers and CdS nanocrystals were allowed to grow on them. It is observed that there are differences in shapes and sizes of the nanocrystals depending on the chiral nature of the nanofibers on which they were growing. Even the CdS nanocrystals grown on different chiral and achiral nanofibers differ markedly in their photoluminescence properties. Thus, here we introduce a new way of using chirality of nanofibers to nucleate and grow CdS nanocrystals of different shape, size, and optical property.     

Hydrothermal synthesis of novel sandwich-like structured ZnS/octylamine hybrid nanosheets

Novel sandwich-like structured zinc sulfide (ZnS)/octylamine (OA) hybrid nanosheets with exclusively sheet-like morphology were synthesized for the first time via a mild hydrothermal route using OA as structure-directing agent. The as-synthesized products were characterized by the X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scan electron microscopy, energy dispersive analyses of X-rays, thermogravimetric analysis, and ultraviolet and visible absorption spectroscopy. The results showed that OA molecules were intercalated between wurtzite ZnS layers. As revealed from optical absorption measurements, the hybrid nanosheets exhibits strong quantum confinement effect with a great blue shift in the band gap.     

单核/双壳结构CdSe/CdS/ZnS纳米晶的合成与发光性质

以巯基乙酸为稳定剂,在水溶液中合成了单核/双壳结构的CdSe/CdS/ZnS纳米晶。在内核CdSe和外壳ZnS之间的内壳CdS作为晶格匹配调节层,能够很好的改善核/壳界面处的性能,而且,最外层ZnS能够最大程度地使激子受限。用TEM和XPS对纳米晶进行了表征,并且用光致发光光谱和吸收光谱对不同核壳结构的纳米晶的发光性能进行了比较,结果表明单核/双壳结构的纳米晶具有更加优异的发光特性。     

Atomistic tight-binding computations of the structural and optical properties of CdTe/CdX (X=S and Se)/ZnS core/shell/shell nanocrystals

A study of CdTe/CdX (X=S and Se)/ZnS core/shell/shell nanocrystals is carried out using atomistic tight-binding theory and the configuration interaction method to provide information for applications in bioimaging, biolabeling, display devices and near-infrared electronic instruments. The calculations yield the dependences of the internal and external passivated shells on the natural behaviours of CdTe/CdX (X=S and Se)/ZnS core/shell/shell nanocrystals. The reduction of the optical band gaps is observed with increasing numbers of monolayers in the external ZnS shell due to quantum confinement. Interestingly, the optical band gaps of CdTe/CdS/ZnS core/shell/shell nanocrystals are greater than those of CdTe/CdSe/ZnS core/shell/shell nanocrystals. In the presence of an external ZnS-coated shell, electron–hole wave function overlaps, oscillation strengths, ground-state exchange energies and Stokes shift are improved, whereas ground-state coulomb energies and fine-structure splitting are reduced. The oscillation strengths, Stokes shift and fine-structure splitting are reduced with the increase in external ZnS shell thickness. The oscillation strengths, Stokes shift and fine-structure splitting of CdTe/CdS/ZnS core/shell/shell nanocrystals are larger than those of CdTe/CdSe/ZnS core/shell/shell nanocrystals. Reduction of the atomistic electron–hole interactions is observed with increasing external ZnS shell size. The strong electron–hole interactions are more probed in CdTe/CdS/ZnS core/shell/shell nanocrystals than in CdTe/CdSe/ZnS core/shell/shell nanocrystals.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and optical properties of full-color-emission ZnS:Cu, Al nanocrystals

ZnS:Cu, Al nanocrystals were synthesized by a hydrothermal method at 200 degrees C and their optical properties were studied. The analysis of XRD and TEM show that the spherical-like nanocrystals had a grain size of approximately 15 nm and were well dispersed, with a zinc blende structure. The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and atomic absorption spectrometry were applied to the analysis of S, Zn and Cu content in the sample. The results proved that a large number of zinc vacancies exist and Cu is incorporated into the sample lattice. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra were investigated. The PL mechanism is discussed. The excitation spectrum is broad. Under 337 nm excitation the sample emits bright green light. Under 370-410 nm excitation the sample emits white light. The broad emission spectra are almost coincident with any excitation wavelength of between 370 and 410 nm making them attractive as conversion phosphors for LED applications and full-color fluorescence display devices. The emitted white light under 375 nm excitation was found to be the result of blue, green, and orange emission bands. For Cu/Zn, Cu/Al and S/Zn molar ratios of 3 x 10(-4), 2 and 3, respectively, the near blue white light can be observed with the naked eye in daylight.     

Microtubule‐Templated Cadmium Sulfide Nanotube Assemblies

This paper describes the use of microtubules (MTs) as nanoscale templates for the biologically directed growth and assembly of cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanotubes. CdS is a wide bandgap semiconductor with valuable optical, electronic, and chemical properties, and the organization of CdS nanostructures is critical to their widespread utility. The present work explores a bioinspired, biomediated approach to the formation and assembly of CdS nanotubes. In particular, a biomimetic synthetic strategy is used to control the uniform growth of cubic zinc blende CdS nanocrystals on MT templates, replicating the MTs' tubular morphology with dense CdS only a single nanocrystal thick. Furthermore, specific interactions between MTs and functional microtubule‐associated proteins (MAPs) are exploited to manipulate the secondary organization of these MT templates. The subsequent directed growth of CdS nanotubes on these structures produces specific biomediated architectures including linear arrays, 3D asters, and rings. Finally, cathodoluminescence from MT‐templated CdS structures verifies that the valuable semiconducting character of these materials is exhibited. These demonstrations of nanoscale materials synthesis and assembly illustrate a new level of complexity and control over materials synthesis that may be achieved using such biological tools and processes.     

过渡金属Co2+离子掺杂ZnS硫化物纳米晶制备与中红外发光特性研究

利用不含有机相的简单水热法制备了Co^2+∶ZnS纳米晶,纳米晶具有立方闪锌矿结构,平均晶粒尺寸约为8.3 nm,在808 nm激光泵浦下具有2~5μm波段的中红外荧光发射,中心波长位于3400 nm和4700 nm,分别对应Co^2+离子的4T2(F)→4 A 1(F)和4T1(F)→4T2(F)的能级跃迁.进一步将制备的纳米晶在还原气氛下进行800℃热处理,获得立方闪锌矿和纤锌矿混合晶型的纳米晶,平均晶粒尺寸增大到22.5 nm左右,热处理后的纳米晶表面羟基含量更低,中红外荧光发射强度显著提高.该Co^2+∶ZnS纳米晶的制备方法简单、在制备过程中不引入有机相等荧光淬灭中心,同时证明通过后热处理过程可以进一步减少表面缺陷及羟基含量,使荧光强度得到大幅提升.     

Structural and optical properties of monodispersed ZnS/CdS/ZnO and ZnO/ZnS/CdS nanoparticles

Excellent luminescence properties of ZnS/CdS/ZnO and ZnO/ZnS/CdS nanocrystallites synthesized through a simple chemical method at room temperature are reported. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), UV–visible absorption and photoluminescence techniques were used to characterize the undoped ZnS, CdS and ZnO and the novel ZnS/CdS/ZnO and ZnO/ZnS/CdS nanoparticles. The optical properties of ZnS/CdS/ZnO and ZnO/ZnS/CdS nanoparticles reflect a combinational effect of the photoluminescent properties of ZnS, CdS and ZnO.     

Structure and the emission and piezoelectric properties of MOCVD-grown ZnS,ZnS-ZnO,and ZnO films

Zinc sulfide and zinc oxide films are produced by the pyrolysis of organometallic compounds (MOCVD technique). The objects of investigation are the phase composition, structure, surface topology, and the optical and piezoelectric properties of the films obtained under different process conditions. The composition of the films depends on the purity level of the precursor, substrate temperature (as the temperature grows, the composition varies from ZnS to ZnO), and evaporation rate (with an increase in this rate, the composition changes from ZnO to ZnS). In addition, ZnS turns into ZnO upon annealing at 600°C. In the most perfect ZnS films, which are obtained with the purest precursor, intense edge luminescence (3.64 eV) is observed for the first time at room temperature. Two-phase ZnS-ZnO films obtained from a cheap precursor are characterized by pronounced piezoelectric properties and can be used in designing different piezoelectric and acoustoelectric devices.     

Zinc sulfide nanoparticles: Spectral properties and photocatalytic activity in metals reduction reactions

Formation of zinc sulfide nanocrystals in aqueous solutions of various polymers has been studied. Spectral properties of ZnS nanoparticles have been investigated, the structure of the long-wave edge of the fundamental absorption band of ZnS nanocrystals has been analyzed. It has been shown that the variation of the synthesis conditions (stabilizer nature and concentration, solution viscosity, ZnS concentration, etc.) allows tailoring of the ZnS nanocrystals size in the range of 3–10 nm. Photochemical processes in colloidal ZnS solutions, containing zinc chloride and sodium sulfite, have been investigated. It has been found that the irradiation of such solutions results in the reduction of Zn(II), the rate of this reaction growing at a decrease in the size of ZnS nanoparticles. Kinetics of photocatalytic Zn(II) reduction has been studied. It has been concluded that two-electron reduction of adsorbed Zn(II) species is the rate-determining stage of this reaction. Photocatalytic activity of ZnS nanoparticles in KAu(CN)₂ reduction in aqueous solutions has been discovered. Spectral characteristics and kinetics of ZnS/Au⁰ nanocomposite formation have been studied. It has been shown that the photoreduction of gold(I) complex is the equilibrium reaction due to the reverse oxidation of gold nanoparticles by ZnS valence band holes.     

Dual-shunt branch circuit and harmonic suppressed device application

The morphological manipulation, structural characterization, and optical properties of different CdSe nanocrystals were reported. Several different CdSe nanostructures, including nanowires, tetrapod crystals, and nanoparticles were grown by varying the volume ratio of triethylenetetraamine (TETA) and water (WA) in their mixed solution. By manipulating the growth driving force (i.e., the degree of supersaturation) and kinetics of the process (i.e., growth rate), the morphology and crystal structure of CdSe nanocrystals can be tailored. Growth driving force changed their morphology from nanowires to tetrapod structures and from the latter structure to nanoparticles. Moreover, kinetics of the process altered their crystal structure from wurtzite to zinc blende. The optical property of CdSe nanocrystals was investigated using UV-vis spectroscopy. The absorption edge of CdSe nanostructures showed a blue shift. CdSe nanocrystals prepared under optimized conditions showed good microstructural and optical properties for solar cell application.     

Photoluminescent properties of ZnS nanoparticles prepared by electro-explosion of Zn wires

We study the photoluminescent properties of ZnS nanoparticles without the influence of dopants or magnetic impurities. The ZnS nanoparticles reported in this case were synthesized by a novel method of electro-explosion of wire (EEW). The nanoparticles were prepared employing electro-explosion of pure zinc wires in a cell filled with sulfide ions to produce a free-standing compound ZnS semiconductor. To investigate the structural and optical properties, these nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV–visible and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Consistent with the enhancement of the PL intensity of the 443 nm peak due to deep blue emission of ZnS particles, the XRD of the nanoparticles reveals a hexagonal phase of ZnS nanocrystallites prepared by our novel synthesis technique.      

Aqueous Synthesis of Water-Soluble L-Cysteine-Modified Cadmium Sulfide Doped with Silver Ion/Zinc Sulfide Nanocrystals

The water-soluble silver ion-doped cadmium sulfide nanocrystals were synthesized by a co-precipitation technique in aqueous solution using L-cysteine as surface modifier, and then L-cysteine-modified cadmium sulfide doped with silver ion/zinc sulfide core/shell nanocrystals were prepared by zinc sulfide epitaxial coated on surface of silver ion-doped cadmium sulfide nanocrystals. The crystal structure, morphology, and spectral properties of cadmium sulfide doped with silver ion/zinc sulfide nanocrystals were characterized by X-ray power diffraction, transmission electron microscope, infrared spectrum, and photoluminescence spectrum. The results show that the photoluminescence quantum yield of cadmium sulfide doped with silver ion/zinc sulfide nanocrystals is improved greatly after doped with silver ion and coated with zinc sulfide shell. The cysteine modified on the surface of cadmium sulfide doped with silver ion/zinc sulfide nanocrystals renders the nanocrystals water-soluble and biocompatible.     

Preparation and characterization of ZnS/CdS bi-layer for CdTe solar cell application

In this work, bilayer ZnS/CdS film was prepared as an improved window layer of CdTe solar cell. TEM was used to observe the cross section of the bilayer structure. The total thickness of ZnS/CdS film was about 60 nm, which could allow more photons to pass through it and contribute to the photocurrent. Optical properties of the bilayers were investigated using UV–vis spectroscopy. Compared with poor transmission of standard CdS film in the short wavelength range of 350–550 nm, the transmission of ZnS/CdS was improved and reached above 50%. The ZnS/CdS was annealed with CdCl₂. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to investigate its chemical properties. A possible diffusion between CdS and ZnS was observed after annealing. The efficiency of standard CdS/CdTe solar cell was 9.53%. The device based on ZnS/CdS window layer had a poor 6% efficiency. With annealing treatment on ZnS/CdS layer, the performance was improved and reached 10.3%. In addition, the homogeneity of solar cell performance was improved using ZnS/CdS window layer. A thin ZnS layer was quite effective to reduce the possible shunt paths and short parts of window layer and consequently contributed to fabrication of a homogeneous CdTe solar cell.     

Study of optical and thermal properties in nickel doped ZnS nanoparticles using surfactants

The presence of surfactants polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), sodium hexameta polyphosphate (SHMP) and tri-octyl phosphine oxide (TOPO) on the surface of Ni²⁺ doped ZnS (ZnS:Ni²⁺) nanoparticles resulted variation in their optical properties. The optical properties of each surfactant-capped ZnS:Ni²⁺ nanoparticles were investigated using UV–visible (UV–Vis) absorption and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. The absorption spectra and fluorescent emission spectra showed a significant blue shift compared to that of the bulk zinc sulfide. The effect of the optical properties in colloidal form (wet) and dry samples were investigated. Enhanced PL emission was observed for the dry samples at 80 °C. Thermal properties of the ZnS:Ni²⁺ was also studied using thermo gravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), Fourier transform infra-red spectrometer (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results are presented and discussed.     

Cell labeling and cytotoxicity of aqueously synthesized CdTe/CdS/ZnS core–shell–shell quantum dots by a water bath-hydrothermal method

CdTe/CdS/ZnS core–shell–shell quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized in aqueous solution via water-bathing combined hydrothermal method using L-cysteine as a stabilizer. The present method features markedly reduced synthesis time, higher fluorescent intensity and lower cytotoxicity of the QDs. Structural and spectroscopic properties of core–shell–shell QDs are well characterized by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Both CdS and ZnS shells were capped on the CdTe core and the fluorescence was greatly enhanced by the ZnS coating. The ternary QDs conjugated with transferrins were successfully employed for the biolabeling and fluorescent imaging of HeLa cells. Cytotoxicity evaluation shows that CdTe/CdS/ZnS was less toxic for cells than CdTe and CdTe/CdS due to the presence of a ZnS coating on surface, which inhibited the release of cadmium ions.     

CdS0.1Se0.9纳米晶体共振电光效应

采用电吸收谱(EA)的方法研究了在电场作用下,CdS_0.1Se_0.9纳米晶体光学性质的变化.分析了电场效应的物理机制,电场效应是使纳米晶体的吸收谱展宽和移动.第一激发态对外加电场敏感,而其它激发态不敏感.从电吸收谱上得到电光响应信号幅度与外加电场场强的平方成正比,表明纳米晶体的电光效应是 Kerr效应,具有三阶非线性极化率 χ⁽³⁾.     

Formation of hexagonal shaped wurtzite zinc sulphide nano rods

Zinc sulfide nanorods with good photoluminescence have been successfully fabricated using a simple sol-gel process via ultrasonication, with mercaptoethanol as capping agent. The formation of ZnS nucleation, followed by subsequent growth, is significant in obtaining highly oriented ZnS nanorods. Temperature, time, and capping agent also proved to be significant factors in the growth of ZnS nanorods and greatly affect their photo luminescent properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, low and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM & HRTEM), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that the ZnS nanorods were single crystal in nature and that they had grown up preferentially along the [0001] direction. This simple method of nucleation, followed by their successive growth, resulted in the development of an effective and low-cost fabrication process for high-quality ZnS nanorods with good photo luminescent properties that can be applied to luminescent sensors and optoelectronic devices.