Preparation of ZnSe Quantum Dots by Hydrothermal Method Assisted by Ammonia

ZnSe quantum dots (QDs) with high intrinsic fluorescence quantum efficiency (QY) and low defect luminescence were prepared by hydrothermal method assisted with ammonia, in which the selenium powder and zinc acetate were used as Se and Zn source, and the mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) was used as ligand. Effect of ammonia amount, Zn/Se ratio, Zn/MPA ratio, and reaction time was investigated in detail in this study. The as-prepared ZnSe QDs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-visible absorption spectrum (UV-Vis), fluorescence spectrum (PL). ZnSe QDs assisted with ammonia were sphalerite, and with emission peak in the range of 380~405nm. The optimal condition was following: Zn/Se ratio was 5, Zn/MPA ration was 0.25, reaction temperature was 110 °C and reaction time was 6 h. Under the optimal condition, ZnSe QDs with intrinsic emission QY of 47% and diameter of 3.8±0.3 nm can be obtained. The ZnSe QDs prepared in this study were expected to replace toxic Cd-related QDs in biomarkers, violet and blue light solid luminescent devices, and provide excellent parent materials for the doped ZnSe QDs system.