Journal article
Stability studies of CdSe nanocrystals in an aqueous environment
In this paper, CdSe nanocrystal dissolution in an aqueous solution was studied. It was found that light is a key factor affecting the dissolution of nanocrystals. In the presence of light, the electrons generated from CdSe nanocrystals reduce water to hydrogen and hydroxide ions (OH − ) while photo-generated holes oxidize CdSe to Cd2 + and elemental Se.
The dissolution was accelerated in an acidic medium while moderate alkalinity (pH = 10.3) can slow down the dissolution possibly due to precipitation of nanocrystals. This study has strong implications for the use of these crystals in aqueous environments (bioimaging and dye-sensitized solar cells).
Language: | English |
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Year: | 2011 |
Pages: | 275706 |
ISSN: | 13616528 and 09574484 |
Types: | Journal article |
DOI: | 10.1088/0957-4484/22/27/275706 |