Quantum dots: Synthesis and characterizations

Abstract

Quantum dots (QDs) refer to quantum confinement of electrons and hole carriers at dimensions smaller than the Bohr radius. These fluorescent particles have typical dimensions ranging from 1 to 10 nm. There exists redshift in the fluorescence emission peak with respect to the increase in QD size. This chapter encompasses synthetic methods of QDs in terms of hydrolysis, sol-gel, hydrothermal/solvo thermal, exfoliation process, hydrothermal, microwave-hydrothermal synthesis, laser ablation, etc. A number of characterization methods of QDs such as photoluminescence (PL), UV/vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and dynamic light scattering are also discussed. Moreover, it sheds light on the classification of QDs and their applications.