Highly luminescent polystyrene embedded CdSe quantum dots obtained through a modified colloidal synthesis route

Abstract

The present work describes a modified colloidal synthesis route for the preparation of CdSe nanocrystals, which were further embedded in a polystyrene matrix. Used as a reaction medium, glycerin makes it possible to obtain nanocrystals at lower temperatures in all process stages and an easier separation from the reaction mass. The influence of two different cadmium compounds used as primary cadmium sources over the quality of synthesized CdSe nanocrystals is established. Having a double role, namely in the formation of a cadmium precursor and that of a surface capping agent, three saturated monocarboxylic fatty acids are tested. The synthesis path is refined by evaluating the luminescent properties of CdSe nanocrystals resulting from each test. The obtained CdSe nanocrystals were further embedded in a polystyrene matrix, resulting in a highly luminescent composite. The solution-processed highly luminescent composite might be used as a conversion layer in various optoelectronic devices.