Synthesis of effective and qualified Cu-doped ZnSe quantum dots and their optical properties

Effective Cu-doped ZnSe quantum dots (ZnSe:Cu d-dots) with high qualities were synthesized by a growth-doping strategy. The effect of the ratios of Zn to Se precursor within the raw materials on the quality of the ZnSe cores and ZnSe:Cu d-dots was studied. The photoluminescence (PL) properties of ZnSe:Cu d-dots in Cu doping process were investigated systematically. The results suggested that the optical performance and stability of the d-dots could be remarkably improved by further coated with a homogeneous ZnSe shell on the fabricated surface-doped ZnSe:Cu d-dots. In addition, the obtained ZnSe:Cu d-dots could be changed to be water-soluble by ligand exchange. It implied that these novel d-dots could be a promising candidate to substitute for the conventional quantum dots containing Cd elements, suggesting their potentially environment-friendly applications in the fields of solid state lighting and diagnostics.