High luminescence of CdTe/CdSe/CdS core/shell/shell QDs: synthesis via a simple photochemical approach and gamma dosimetry application

Abstract

In this research CdTe/CdSe/CdS core/shell/shell quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized by a photochemical approach using thioglycolic acid as capping agent and S2- source for CdS shell growth. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Raman results confirmed formation of CdTe/CdSe/CdS core/shell/shell structure. Photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (QY) of the CdTe QDs was 23% and 50 and 70% for CdTe/CdSe and CdTe/CdSe/CdS QDs, respectively. Effect of 60Co gamma irradiation on optical and structural properties of CdTe and CdTe/CdSe/CdS core/shell/shell QDs was investigated. The obtained results indicated stability of crystalline structure of QDs after gamma irradiation but PL intensity of the CdTe/CdSe/CdS QDs decreased gradually after receiving different doses of gamma irradiation with a red shift in PL peak position. The obtained results suggested these luminescence QDs as potential materials for gamma dosimetry.