Influence of the KBr matrix on the luminescence properties of CdTe quantum dots

Abstract

The investigation of the luminescence properties of CdTe/KBr composites with encapsulated quantum dots (QDs) of different sizes was performed and the influence of the KBr matrix on the luminescence properties of CdTe QDs was studied. Encapsulation of nanoparticles by a solid matrix caused a bathochromic shift in the luminescence peak and the shift value was the larger the smaller the size of the quantum dots. Interband quantum transition theory was used to explain the influence of the matrix on the luminescence properties of the capsulated CdTe QDs. Theoretical calculations showed that the observed QD luminescence peak corresponded to a 1 s–1 s electronic transition, and its low‐energy shift after the transfer of QDs from dielectric water to the KBr matrix was due to a corresponding decrease in the depths of electrons and holes potential wells.

Macromatrices for nanoscale particles

“…Later, Okrepka et al used the interband quantum transition theory to explain the detected red shift of CdTe QDs after encapsulated into the KBr ionic matrix. 67 The reason can be attributed to the decrease in the height of potential barriers when the external environment changed from water to KBr.…”