Zinc Sulfide Quantum Dots Research Articles

Triple-dimensional spectroscopy combined with chemometrics for the discrimination of pesticide residues based on ionic liquid-stabilized Mn-ZnS quantum dots and covalent organic frameworks

Manganese-doped zinc sulfide quantum dots (Mn-ZnS QDs) are promising candidates for multi-channel sensing analysis due to their multi-dimensional optical properties. In this study, we integrated amino-silane and ionic liquid co-modified Mn-ZnS QDs and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) into optosensing nanoparticles to provide triple-dimensional optical response signals and combined them with chemometrics for the analysis of multiple pesticide residues. Through the exploration and optimization of a series of conditions, fluorescence, room temperature phosphorescence, and ultraviolet−visible combined with chemometrics were used for the discrimination and recognition of multiple pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables. The ionic liquid of 1-vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate was used to modify Mn-ZnS QDs to improve the optical response and enrichment of pesticide adsorption sites, which were also synergistically enhanced by the COF support. This is a potential method to discriminate pesticides efficiently and enables fast and reliable analysis of pesticides in the agricultural and food industries.

Mixed Mercaptocarboxylic Acid Shells Provide Stable Dispersions of InPZnS/ZnSe/ZnS Multishell Quantum Dots in Aqueous Media.

Highly luminescent indium phosphide zinc sulfide (InPZnS) quantum dots (QDs), with zinc selenide/zinc sulfide (ZnSe/ZnS) shells, were synthesized. The QDs were modified via a post-synthetic ligand exchange reaction with 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) and 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) in different MPA:MUA ratios, making this study the first investigation into the effects of mixed ligand shells on InPZnS QDs. Moreover, this article also describes an optimized method for the correlation of the QD size vs. optical absorption of the QDs. Upon ligand exchange, the QDs can be dispersed in water. Longer ligands (MUA) provide more stable dispersions than short-chain ligands. Thicker ZnSe/ZnS shells provide a better photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and higher emission stability upon ligand exchange. Both the ligand exchange and the optical properties are highly reproducible between different QD batches. Before dialysis, QDs with a ZnS shell thickness of ~4.9 monolayers (ML), stabilized with a mixed MPA:MUA (mixing ratio of 1:10), showed the highest PLQY, at ~45%. After dialysis, QDs with a ZnS shell thickness of ~4.9 ML, stabilized with a mixed MPA:MUA and a ratio of 1:10 and 1:100, showed the highest PLQYs, of ~41%. The dispersions were stable up to 44 days at ambient conditions and in the dark. After 44 days, QDs with a ZnS shell thickness of ~4.9 ML, stabilized with only MUA, showed the highest PLQY, of ~34%.

Microwave-mediated synthesis of surface-active ionic liquid-capped ZnS quantum dots: morphological studies and their applicability for fluorometric sensing of ascorbic acid

In this paper, we have synthesized surface active ionic liquid (SAIL)-capped zinc sulfide (ZnS) quantum dots (QDs) with an average size of approximately 3.03 nm using a systematic and facile microwave-irradiation method in aqueous solution. The imidazolium-based SAIL, 1-dodecyl-3-ethylimidazolium bromide was acted as a capping agent and was found to modulate the morphology and properties of ZnS QDs. The synthesized ZnS QDs were examined via different techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). TGA confirmed the thermal stability of capped ZnS QDs. To investigate the fluorometric application, the synthesized ZnS quantum dots were tested for the sensing of ascorbic acid (AA). The fluorescence intensity was found to be directly proportional to the concentration of AA in the range of 50–476 µM and the limit of detection was 63.11 µM. It has been observed that the synthesized capped ZnS QDs selectively sense AA and calculated limit of detection (LOD) of AA was found to be lower than that of other reported systems using the fluorescence technique. To understand the role of capping agent in the synthesis of ZnS QDs, density functional theory (DFT) using B3LYP (Becke’s three-parameter exchange functional with Lee–Yang–Parr correlation energy) and 6-311 + G (d, p) basis set was employed. The DFT results showed that the SAIL played a vital role in the size-controlled synthesis of ZnS QDs.

Exploring the optical properties of lead zinc sulfide photoanodes for optoelectronics

In this study, the optical properties of alloyed lead zinc sulfide quantum dots (Pb0.8Zn0.2S QDs) photoanodes have been explored for optoelectronic applications. The alloyed QDs photoanodes were prepared by SILAR technique for different deposition cycles (0–8 times). Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) were used to investigate the morphological and elemental measurements respectively. A UV–visible spectrophotometer was utilized to study the optical properties. The obtained energy band gap (Eg) values of the prepared photoanodes vary from 1.98 to 3.32 eV as the number of the deposition cycles is increased from 1 to 8 times. The best photovoltaic performance of the assembled QDs sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) is achieved for the 6 times SILAR deposition cycles. This result is mainly attributed to the absorption enhancement and the harmony of the energetic alignment levels of the prepared QDSSC’s layers. The prepared alloyed photoanodes could be novel candidates in many optoelectronic applications.

Uniform-dispersed ZnS quantum dots loading on graphene as a promising anode for potassium-ion batteries

The potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) have become the promising energy storage devices due to their relatively moderate cost and plenteous potassium resources. Whereas, the main drawback of PIBs is unsatisfactory electrochemical performance induced by the larger ionic radius of potassium ion. Herein, we report a well-designed, uniform-dispersed, and morphology-controllable zinc sulfide (ZnS) quantum dots loading on graphene as an anode in the PIBs. The directed uniform dispersion of the in-situ growing ZnS quantum dots (∼2.8 nm in size) on graphene can mitigate the volume effect during the insertion-extraction process and shorten the migration path of potassium ions. As a result, the battery exhibits superior cycling stability (350.4 mAh/g over 200 cycles at 0.1 A/g) and rate performance (98.8 mAh/g at 2.0 A/g). We believe the design of active material with quantum dot-minimized size provides a novel route into PIBs and contributes to eliminating the major electrode failure issues of the system.

Dopamine-induced photoluminescence quenching of bovine serum albumin-capped manganese-doped zinc sulphide quantum dots.

The direct detection of dopamine (DA) in human body fluids is a great challenge for medical diagnostics of neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, senile dementia, and schizophrenia. In this work, a simple and turn off luminescence sensing of DA based on bovine serum albumin (BSA)-capped manganese-doped zinc sulphide quantum dots (Mn:ZnS/BSA QDs) is developed. The Mn:ZnS/BSA QDs were synthesized by a chemical co-precipitation method. Due to the special interaction of DA with BSA and metal ions, Mn:ZnS/BSA QDs can serve as an effective sensing platform for DA. The luminescence of Mn:ZnS/BSA QDs decreased linearly with increasing concentration of DA in the range from 6.6 to 50.6nM. The limit of detection is 2.02nM. The driving force for the luminescence quenching is partly provided by ground-state complex formation of QDs with DA. The photo-induced electron transfer from the conduction band of QDs to oxidized dopamine (quinone) also favors quenching. The Mn:ZnS/BSA QDs are barely interfered with by other competing biomolecules except catecholamine neurotransmitter like epinephrine. Moreover, this method is used in the analysis of DA-spiked human serum and human urine samples and good recovery percentages are found. To assess the utility of the developed sensor, paper strip assay was also successfully conducted. Graphical abstract.

Observation of Novel Superparamagnetism in ZnS:Co Quantum Dots

Cobalt-doped zinc sulfide quantum dots with different cobalt concentrations were prepared by the solution route. Structural, optical, morphological, and magnetic responses of the prepared quantum dots were analyzed. X-ray diffraction study confirmed that cubic (zinc blende) structure is the dominant structure of synthesized samples. Crystallite size and lattice constant were found to decrease with cobalt dopant. Transmission electron microscope analysis shows that the mean size of the particles lies in the range of 7–10 nm. The absorption edge of cobalt-doped zinc sulfide nanoparticles is shifted to lower wavelength as compared to that of bulk zinc sulfide which confirmed the quantum confinement effect. The bandgap variation was observed with doping, and it varied from 4.3 to 5.6 eV. The emission spectrum reveals that the cobalt dopant suppresses the ultraviolet emission and enhances the visible emission. Fourier-transform infrared spectrum confirmed the formation of zinc sulfide and the substitution of cobalt ion. Magnetization versus magnetic field result demonstrates that the zinc sulfide and cobalt-doped zinc sulfides are superparamagnetic. Electron spin resonance spectra also confirmed the superparamagnetic nature of zinc sulfide and cobalt-doped zinc sulfide samples. Micro-Raman study also confirmed the incorporation of cobalt in the lattice and the size of the order of the exciton Bohr radius for ZnS.

Synthesis and characterisation of ZnS quantum dots encapsulated zeolitic imidazolate frameworks

Abstract In this work, we report the encapsulation of semiconductor Zinc sulphide quantum dots (ZnSQDs) in Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks such as ZIF-8 and ZIF-67. Encapsulated MOF (ZnSQDs@ZIF-8 and ZnSQDs@ZIF-67) composites were prepared by bottle around ship method. The morphology of the encapsulated microstructure were characterised by TEM and SEM. These composites were further characterized for FT-IR and XRD. Thermal stability of ZnSQDs@ZIFs was determined by Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA).

Modulation of inner filter effect of non-conjugated silver nanoparticles on blue emitting ZnS quantum dots for the quantitation of betahistine.

A simple, reliable and efficient fluorescent probe has been developed for the detection and quantitation of betahistine using inner filter effect (IFE) of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on zinc sulphide (ZnS) quantum dots. The synthesized ZnS exhibited blue emission at 403nm which was quenched upon mixing with AgNPs due to intensive localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) absorption at 401nm. The presence of IFE was confirmed by UV-Visible and fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Addition of betahistine caused aggregation of AgNPs as visualized by the change in colour of nano-suspension. The reduced absorption at LSPR resulted in inhibition of IFE leading to higher fluorescence intensities in the presence of betahistine. Parameters such as pH, incubation time and concentration of AgNPs were suitably optimized. The fluorescence signal (I-I0/I0) responded linearly for betahistine in the concentration range from 0.1 to 10μM under the optimized experimental conditions. Due to the aggregation of AgNPs, a simple colorimetric approach was also studied for quantitation of betahistine in the range 1.0-20μM. The limit of detection for fluorescence measurement and colorimetric approach was 0.02μM and 0.23μM, respectively. Further, the proposed method exhibited excellent selectivity towards betahistine in presence of several cations, biomolecules such as glucose, uric acid, creatinine, amino acids and several anti-vertigo medications. The method was applied to quantify betahistine from pharmaceutical products and results obtained were in good agreement with the claimed values. The proposed sensor can serve a low cost, selective, sensitive and a precise tool for routine quantitation of betahistine.

Application of decorated magnetic nanophotocatalysts for efficient photodegradation of organic dye: A comparison study on photocatalytic activity of magnetic zinc sulfide and graphene quantum dots

In the present research, two magnetic nanophotocatalysts (MNPCs) including iron oxide nanoparticles decorated with zinc sulfide quantum dots (Fe3O4@ZnS QDs), and N,S- doped graphene QDs (Fe3O4 @ N, S-GQDs) were synthesized by the sonochemical and hydrothermal methods, respectively. The prepared MNPCs were characterized by various techniques including X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), UV–vis absorption and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The SEM images show the formation of nano- sized particles of Fe3O4, also the morphology and size of the particles were changed after their decoration with ZnS and GQDs. The magnetic saturation values of Fe3O4@ZnS QDs and Fe3O4 @ N, S-GQDs samples were obtained as 19.43 and 55.58 emu.g−1, respectively. The desirable paramagnetic properties of the samples provide suitable magnetic separation process and simple recyclyig of MNPCs. The photocatalytic activity of the as-synthesized samples was evaluated through investigating their ability to degrade an organic pollutant (i.e. Victoria Blue R dye) in aqueous media. The photodegradation efficiency was evaluated based on the decrease of VBR concentration at its maximum absorption wavelength, in the presence of Fe3O4@ZnS QDs and Fe3O4 @ N, S-GQDs as nanophotocatalyst and under ultraviolet (UV) and visible (Vis) light irradiations, respectively. In optimization experiments, the effect of various factors including pH, dye concentration, irradiation time, MNPC dosage, type and concentration of salts were investigated. The maximum photodegradation percentage of Fe3O4@ZnS QDs was obtained as 93.44 % at pH 8, and in the case of Fe3O4 @ N, S-GQDs as 96.68 % at pH 9, after 120 min irradiation.

One Pot Aqueous Synthesis of L-Histidine Amino Acid Capped Mn: ZnS Quantum Dots for Dopamine Sensing

Background: Mn doped ZnS is selected as the right element which is prominent among quantum dot for its high luminescent and quantum yield property and also non toxicity while comparing with other organometallic quantum dot synthesized by using different capping agents. Methods: An interesting observation based on colorimetric sensing of dopamine using manganese doped zinc sulfide quantum dot is discussed in this study. Mn doped ZnS quantum dot surface passivated with capping agents such as L-histidine and also in polymers like chitosan, PVA and PVP were studied and compared. The tunable fluorescence effect was also observed in different polymers and amino acid as capping agents. Optical characterization studies like UV-Visible spectroscopy and PL spectroscopy have been carried out. The functional group modification of Quantum dot has been analyzed using FTIR and size and shape analysis was conducted by using HRTEM image. Result: The strong and broad peak of FTIR in the range of 3500-3300 cm-1 confirms the presence of O-H bond. It is also observed that quenching phenomena in the luminescent peak are due to weaker confinement effect. The average size of the particle is shown to be around 4-5 nm. Changes in color of the quantum dot solution from transparent to dark brown has been due to the interaction with dopamine. Conclusion: Finally, L-Histidine amino acid capped Mn:ZnS shows better results in luminescence and size confinement properties. Hence, it was chosen for dopamine sensing due to its colloidal nature and inborn affinity towards dopamine, a neurotransmitter which is essential for early diagnosis of neural diseases

Facile synthesis of ZnS quantum dots at room temperature for ultra-violet photodetector applications

Zinc sulfide (ZnS) quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized using a facile, low-cost and environmentally friendly method at room temperature and ambient pressure. The structural, optical and electrical properties of the as-prepared ZnS QDs were investigated. The monodispersed crystalline ZnS QDs with an average size of 3.8 nm has been prepared, an absorption peak at 292 nm in the ultra-violet (UV) range was observed. The maximum responsivity (R) and detectivity (D*) of the ZnS QDs based photodetector under 365 nm UV light illumination were 5.8 A W−1 and 1.97 × 1013 Jones, respectively, which shows important potential application in UV detection.

Quantum dot embedded N-doped functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes boost the short-circuit current of Ru(ii) based dye-sensitized solar cells.

Here, we report zinc sulfide quantum dots, ZnS(QDs), moored on N-doped functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) wrapped with reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The MWCNTs have a tangled network, a particular surface area, and a distinctive hollow structure that may be suitable for use as a counter electrode (CE) material. A ZnS@N.f-MWCNTs@rGO composite as the CE on a fluorine-doped tin oxide substrate in a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) was fabricated using a doctor blade technique. The electrochemical performance showed that at the electrolyte/CE interface, the ZnS(QDs) and N-doped functionalized MWCNTs wrapped with rGO (ZnS@N.f-MWCNTs@rGO) electrode has a lower transfer charge resistance (Rct) and a greater catalytic capacity than naked ZnS(QDs). A power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.4% was attained for this DSSC gadget, which is higher than that of a DSSC gadget utilizing ZnS(QDs), ZnS@N.f-MWCNTs, ZnS@rGO and Pt. Also, the DSSC device using ZnS@N.f-MWCNTs@rGO had a fill factor (FF) that was better than the other counter electrodes. The cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) electron transfer measurements showed that ZnS@N.f-MWCNTs@rGO films can provide fast electron transfer from the electrolyte to the CE and great electrocatalytic activity to reduce triiodide to a CE based on ZnS@N.f-MWCNTs@rGO in the DSSC.

Size-dependent interaction of hydrophilic/hydrophobic ligand functionalized cationic and anionic nanoparticles with lipid bilayers

We study the nature of nanoparticle (NPs)-membrane interaction as a function of nanoparticle size for different functionalization using molecular dynamics simulation. Zinc sulphide quantum dots of size, 2 nm and 4 nm are used as model NPs, and DLPC and DPPC lipid bilayers are used as model membranes. We use coarse-grained polarizable MARTINI model (MPW) to simulate the NPs and lipid bilayers. Our simulation results show that uncharged bare NPs penetrate the lipid bilayers and embed themselves within the hydrophobic core of the bilayer both in the gel and fluid phases. NPs of size 4 nm are shown to disrupt the bilayer. The bilayer recovers from the damages caused by smaller NPs of size 2 nm. In case of either purely hydrophilic or hybrid (with hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio of 2:1) ligand-functionalized NPs of smaller size (shell size 2 nm), only cationic NPs bind to the bilayer. However, for larger NPs with a shell size of 4 nm, both anionic and cationic hybrid functionalized NPs bind to the bilayer. The performance of standard Martini (SM) force field for the charged NP/bilayer systems has also been tested and compared with the results obtained using MPW model. Although the overall trend that the cationic NPs interact strongly with the bilayers than their anionic counterparts has been captured correctly using SM, the adsorption behaviour of the functionalized NPs differ significantly in the SM force field. The interaction of anionic NPs with both fluid and gel bilayers has been observed to be least accurately represented in the SM force field.

Surface modification of carbon nanotubes for the synthesis of CNTs/ZnS quantum dot composites via electrophoretic deposition route

In the present study, carbon nanotube (CNT)/zinc sulfide (ZnS) quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized followed by electrophoretic deposition on Al electrodes. First, surface of carbon nanotubes were modified using wet chemical routes to obtain Carboxyl-, Chlorine- and Amine-modified CNTs. Then, ZnS QDs were synthesized by hydrothermal method and attached to the CNTs. Although deposition weight of CNTs were improved considerably by surface modification, it decreased dramatically after attachment of ZnS QDs. Microstructure studies showed that a better coverage has been obtained on the Al substrate by the continuous layer of Carboxyl-modified CNTs. Moreover, ZnS QDs were coated on the surface of Carboxyl-modified CNTs properly.

Combustion Synthesis of ZnO/ZnS Nanocomposite Phosphors.

In the present study, combustion synthesis of zinc oxide and zinc sulfide nanoparticles as well as their composite was studied using zinc nitrate and thioacetamide as starting materials, and ethylene glycol as fuel. The influence of different parameters such as oxidizer to fuel (O:F) ratios and calcination process on the structure, microstructure, photoluminescence and optical properties was studied. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed different combinations of wurtzite structure for zinc oxide and zinc sulfide phases obtained using different O:F ratios of 1:1 and 2:3. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs revealed that particles with different morphologies were synthesized depending on the O:F ratio. Besides, nanometer particles, or even quantum dots, could be obtained. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs also showed the formation of zinc oxide/ zinc sulfide quantum dots composite using ethylene glycol fuel with O:F ratio of 2:3. Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) analysis of samples showed carbon bonds of carbonaceous matters in addition to Zn-O and Zn-S bonds due to incomplete combustion. Photoluminescent emission spectra indicated that the highest intensity of emission in blue-green region was obtained from the particle synthesized using ethylene glycol and O:F ratio of 2:3, which may be related to the high density of lattice defects. Band gaps estimated using UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectra were 3.4 and 5.4eV which can be assigned to the dual nature of particles: in some parts quantum size and in the other parts nanosize particles.

Biogenic design of ZnS quantum dots - Insights into their in-vitro cytotoxicity, photocatalysis and biosensing properties

Zinc sulphide Quantum Dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanoparticles that have profound applications in medical imaging, photocatalysis and biosensing. Of late, green synthesis of ZnS QDs has emerged as an useful substitute for the routine chemical synthesis. The present study reports the biosynthesis of ZnS QDs using the fungus Aspergillus sp. under ambient conditions. In the present study, the mechanism behind the antibacterial action of the biosynthesized ZnS Quantum Dots has been explored. It was found that biogenesis using fungus has resulted in the synthesis of spherical crystalline ZnS particles of mean diameter 6.3 nm. FTIR analysis indicated the presence of active organic functional groups on the surface of the QDs. The optical and structural features of the biogenic ZnS were found to be comparable with that of the chemically synthesized quantum dots. Thereafter, the antibacterial activities of the biosynthesized ZnS QDs were observed against pathogenic bacteria. The green synthesized ZnS exhibited excellent antibacterial activity and were quantified using filter paper bioassay. Experimental evidences indicated that the antibacterial strategy relied on bacterial cell membrane disruption, leakage of the cytoplasmic contents and associated ROS mediated oxidative damages leading to bacterial cell lysis. Further, the prospects of biogenic ZnS for photodegradation of dyes and sensing of heavy metals in aqueous phase were investigated.

Synthesis of meso-tetra-(4-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin (TPPS4) - CuInS/ZnS quantum dots conjugate as an improved photosensitizer.

Background Metal-free, water-soluble and highly stable meso-tetra-(4-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin (TPPS4) has been studied for their singlet oxygen quantum yield. However, TPPS4 suffers from inherent shortcomings. To address these, TPPS4 was conjugated to ternary copper indium sulphide/ zinc sulphide (CuInS2/ZnS) quantum dots (QDs).Purpose We herein report for the first time the synthesis of TPPS4–CuInS/ZnS QDs conjugate as an improved photosensitizer.Methods Water-soluble TPPS4 was synthesized from tetraphenylporphyrin (TPPH2) after silica-gel purification. The CuInS/ZnS QDs were synthesized by hydrothermal method at a Cu:In ratio of 1:4. The porphyrin–QDs conjugate was formed via the daggling sulfonyl bond of the porphyrin and amine bond of the QDs. The effect of pH on the optical properties of TPPS4 was evaluated. The effect of Zn:Cu + In ratio on the ZnS shell passivation was examined to reduce structural defects on the as-synthesized QDs.Results: Various spectroscopic techniques were used to confirm the successful conversion of the organic TPPH2 to water-soluble TPPS4. The singlet oxygen generation evaluation shows an improved singlet oxygen quantum yield from 0.19 for the porphyrin (TPPS4) alone to 0.69 after conjugation (CuInS/ZnS-TPPS4) with an increase in the reaction rate constant (k (s-1)).

Application of Zinc Sulfide Quantum Dots for Optical Sensing

The luminescent sensory systems based on manganese-doped zinc sulfide quantum dots were developed for aqueous environment monitoring. The structural, optical and sensory characteristics of quantum dots were investigated. The mechanism of ZnS:Mn2+ interaction with methane in the aqueous media, as well as factors that have a primary influence on the formation of the sensory response in the reaction with methane, were determined.

Rapid sonochemical water-based synthesis of functionalized zinc sulfide quantum dots: Study of capping agent effect on photocatalytic activity.

This study presents a rapid water-based chemical precipitation method for synthesis of zinc sulfide (ZnS) quantum dots (QDs), under the ultrasonic radiation, using two capping agents; including 2-mercaptoethanol and l-cysteine. It is demonstrated that by applying ultrasonic radiation, the synthesis time can be significantly decreased. The effect of capping agent type on the color specifications (using colorimetry), absorption spectra (using ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy) and ZnS structure (using X-ray diffraction) are investigated. The results of the research indicate that the as-synthesized QDs were cubic structures with dimensions less than 10 nm. After characterization, the QDs samples were performed as nano-scaled photoatalysts, through a UV-driven photodegradation process for the degradation of crystalline violet (CV) as a pollutant dye. Moreover, the present study assesses the effect of operating conditions including the pH of the dye solution, UV-irradiation time, ionic strength, type and dosage of nanophotocatalyst on degradation efficiency. Experimental results of the research demonstrate the QDs can be reused for at-least five times, without a significant decrease in their photocatalytic properties. The maximum photodegradation efficiency for the CV solution adjusted at pH 11, in the presence of a low amount of QDs (i.e. 5 mg) was observed after 90 min irradiation time. Finally, the probable mechanism and kinetics of degradation reaction are proposed in the study. From the kinetic data, the acceptable regression coefficient values (>0.98) for the pseudo first-order kinetic model was obtained for expression the present QD-based photodegradation approach.