CdSe ZnTe Core Shell Nanoparticles (Cadmium Selenide/Zinc Tellurium, 99.9%, APS: 80-100nm, Inorganic Semiconductor)

CdSe ZnTe Core-Shell Nanoparticles

CdSe/ZnTe core-shell nanoparticles are a type of semiconductor nanomaterial that consists of a cadmium selenide (CdSe) core and a zinc telluride (ZnTe) shell. These nanoparticles are part of the quantum dot (QD) family and have gained significant attention in the field of nanotechnology and optoelectronics due to their remarkable optical, electronic, and structural properties. 

Core-Shell Structure and Properties

Quantum Confinement and Optical Properties:

The size of the CdSe core determines the optical emission wavelength, with smaller cores emitting blue light and larger cores emitting red light. The addition of the ZnTe shell allows for better control over the optical properties by influencing the electronic environment around the CdSe core.

The type-II band alignment (where the electron and hole are spatially separated in the core and shell, respectively) leads to improved charge carrier separation. This can enhance the fluorescence quantum yield and photostability by reducing the likelihood of non-radiative recombination.

Surface Passivation:

The ZnTe shell passivates the surface of the CdSe core, minimizing surface defects that typically result in non-radiative recombination. This passivation improves the photoluminescence efficiency and stability of the nanoparticles, making them more suitable for long-term imaging and other optical applications.

Improved Stability and Photostability:

The ZnTe shell protects the CdSe core from oxidation and photo-degradation, increasing the photostability of the quantum dots under extended exposure to light. This is crucial for applications where long-term exposure to light is required, such as in biological imaging and photonics.

Tunable Emission:

The emission wavelength of CdSe/ZnTe quantum dots can be tuned by adjusting the size of the CdSe core and the thickness of the ZnTe shell. This tunability enables the creation of quantum dots with specific emission properties for a wide range of applications, including multicolor imaging, displays, and sensors.