Formation of Metal-Semiconductor Core-shell Nanoparticles Using Electrochemical Atomic Layer Deposition

Abstract

We report the synthesis of CuI coated and CdS coated Au coreshell nanoparticle films using electrochemical atomic layer deposition (EC-ALD). Au nanoparticle thin films were prepared on glassy carbon supports by depositing alternating layers of poly-(diallyl dimethylammonium)-stabilized Au nanoparticles and CoP 2 W 17 0 61 8-polyoxometallate interlayers. CuI was deposited onto the surface of Au nanoparticles using electrochemical atomic layer epitaxy, while CdS films were grown by an atom-by-atom co-deposition technique. The semiconductor-coated nanoparticles were characterized by electrochemistry, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Our results indicate that the semiconductors deposited onto the Au nanoparticles surface by surface limited electrochemical reactions.

Recent progress in quantum dot based sensors

“…Indeed, in addition to preventing surface traps and improving the stability of QDs, the development of metal semiconductor core-shell structures can minimize the potential toxicity of conventional core materials consisting of heavy metals in biomedical applications. These core-shell structures have been realized chemically, 113 electrochemically 114,115 and physically, 116 and applied in the sensitive detection of gases. [117][118][119] However, discrepancy exists between cell culture and animal studies.…”