Synthesis and Size-Dependent Optical Properties of Cd3P2 and (CdxZn1–x)3P2 Quantum Dots

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.nanolett.5c00980

Abstract:

Short-wave infrared (SWIR) materials are highly beneficial in telecommunications and medical imaging. Synthesis of quality SWIR chromophores remains challenging. Furthermore, many SWIR-emitting colloidal quantum dots (QDs) suffer from long radiative lifetimes and weak emission efficiencies. To address these challenges, we present methods to create a size series of Cd3P2 QDs and create a sizing curve. The results demonstrate that the growth kinetics and the production of Cd3P2 QDs with optical emission at 1.5+ μm are limited by the precursor stoichiometry. To address the overly long radiative lifetimes, we develop surface passivation with CdI2 and develop a one-pot, hot-injection synthesis of (CdxZn1–x)3P2 QDs, which is shown to accelerate the PL dynamics of Cd3P2 QDs. Electron microscopy and elemental analysis point to the Cd3P2/(CdxZn1–x)3P2 core/crust structure of these QDs. These results show promise for the further development of core/shell Cd3P2/Zn3P2 QDs, which will serve as on-demand single-photon emitters in the SWIR region. 

Cite this:  Smith, L.; Halim, A.; Harbison, K. E.; Sapkota, B.; Klie, R.; Diroll, B. T.; Fedin, I. Synthesis and Size-Dependent Optical Properties of Cd3P2 and (CdxZn1–x)3P2 Quantum Dots. Nano. Lett. 2025