Zn1 – xCdxS Nanoparticles Obtained by Laser Ablation

Abstract

Approximately spherical nanoparticles of the II-VI semiconductor materials Zn 1 -x Cd x S have been produced successfully by laser ablation of the bulk material in several liquids. The non-stabilized suspensions of particles are characterized by absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The procedure is not strongly size-selective, radii of 7 ± 3 nm were found for Zn 1 -x Cd x S by transmission electron microscopy. Acetonitrile stabilizes the particles for several days up to weeks. Prolonged irradiation leads effectively to a reduction in particles size, in which particle agglomeration may play an important role. Ablation in degassed liquids does not have a significant effect on the absorption of the suspended particles.