Structural basis for near unity quantum yield core/shell nanostructures

Nano Lett. 2006 Jul;6(7):1496-501. doi: 10.1021/nl060993k.

Abstract

Aberration-corrected Z-contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy of core/shell nanocrystals shows clear correlations between structure and quantum efficiency. Uniform shell coverage is obtained only for a graded CdS/ZnS shell material and is found to be critical to achieving near 100% quantum yield. The sublattice sensitivity of the images confirms that preferential growth takes place on the anion-terminated surfaces. This explains the three-dimensional "nanobullet" shape observed in the case of core/shell nanorods.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cadmium Compounds / chemistry*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning Transmission
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Quantum Dots
  • Sulfides / chemistry*
  • Zinc Compounds / chemistry*

Substances

  • Cadmium Compounds
  • Sulfides
  • Zinc Compounds
  • cadmium sulfide
  • zinc sulfide