One-Step Synthesis of CdSe Quantum Dots by Using Hydrazine Hydrate Reduction of Selenium Dioxide

Hydrazine hydrate was used as a novel reducing agent for the synthesis of water soluble and stable cadmium selenide (CdSe) quantum dots (QDs). The as-prepared CdSe quantum dots were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence, and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy analyses. The results show that the as-prepared CdSe QDs possess a cubic crystal structure and an average size of 2 nm. The effects of the pH of the original solution, thioglycollic acid (TGA)/Cd2+ molar ratio (n(TGA)/n(cd)(2+)), and the Cd/Se molar ratio on the luminescence properties of CdSe QDs were also systematically analysed.