[A facile colloid aqueous method for synthesis of water soluble ZnSe quantum dots with high fluorescence and...

Highly fluorescent and stable ZnSe quantum dots were synthesized by a facile colloid aqueous phase route. It overcame the defects such as instability and low quantum yields of the quantum dots synthesized by early aqueous phase route. Optimum conditions were found. L-glutathione was used as the stabilizer, the molar ratio of L-glutathione, Se2- and Zn2+ is 5 : 1 : 5, the reaction media is pH 10.5, and the proper temperature is between 90 and 100 degrees C. Quantum yields (QYs) could reach to 50.1% without post irradiation in prime synthetical conditions. And the fluorescence intensity of ZnSe QDs almost didn't change after 3 months. Its water-soluble property is also excellent. The properties of ZnSe QDs were characterized by means of ultraviolet visible spectra, fluorescence spectra, and transmission electron microscopy. The synthesized ZnSe QDs emit blue-purple fluorescence (370 nm) when excited at 300 nm. And the excellent photochemical characteristics of the ZnSe QDs will be advantageous in the application in optothermal device manufacture and chemistry biology domain.