Exploiting nucleation and growth in the synthesis and electrical passivation of CdSe quantum dots

The synthesis of CdSe quantum dots (QDs) is usually achieved through reaction of the appropriate precursors in a solution containing weakly adsorbing capping ligands. Here we compare nucleation and growth of CdSe QDs synthesized in hexadecylamine and trioctylphosphine oxide with stearic acid, hexylphosphonic phosphonic acid, or tetradecylphosphonic acid. We show that the nature of the capping ligand dramatically influences nucleation and growth, and can be used to control QD diameter and hence optical properties. We also show how electrical passivation with either ZnS or (Cd, Zn)S influences the size and optical properties of the QDs.