Europium doping of cadmium selenide (CdSe) quantum dots via rapid microwave synthesis for optoelectronic applications

The tunability of optical properties in inorganic semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) allows them to be exceptional candidates for multiple optical and optoelectronic applications. While QD size dictates these properties, the addition of highly luminescent rare-earth elements also affects absorption and emission properties. In this work, we were able to successfully synthesize europium-doped CdSe QDs using a one-pot microwave synthesis method. Using recipes that we previously developed, we were able to synthesize Eu³⁺:CdSe quantum dots and tune their optical properties by varying microwave irradiation temperatures, hold times, and dopant concentration. UV-Vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence data show that structural incorporation of europium has an effect on the optical properties of CdSe QDs via energy transfer from host to dopant. Eu³⁺:CdSe QDs have diameters ranging from 4.6-10.0 nm and colors ranging from blue-green to dark red. The development of recipes for high throughput rapid microwave synthesis allows for QDs to be synthesized with repeatability, tunability, and scalability.