Tunable Photoluminescence of CdTe Nanocrystals over Wide Spectral Range via Microwave-assisted Surface Modification

Abstract

An easy and fast microwave-assisted method of tuning the photoluminescence properties of CdTe nanocrystals in aqueous phase is presented. The photoluminescence could be tuned covering almost the whole visual spectral range (537-680 nm), and even partially extending to the near-infrared spectral range. The effect is probably related to the formation of core/shell structure and complex nano-assemblies. These results provide a promising means of tuning the photoluminescence of CdTe nanocrystals, leading to potential applications in biomedical labeling, solar cells, lasers, and other fields.