Surfactant-free colloidal crystal based on ZnO quantum dots

Monodisperse ZnO quantum dots (QDs) with a particle size of about 5 nm have been synthesized. Isopropanol together with hexane were utilized to precipitate ZnO nanoparticles to form condensed phases, ranging from white flocculation, to gel-like fluid, and to transparent solid. The morphology and structure in the transparent ZnO solid was characterized by UV-vis, X-ray diffraction, small-angle X-ray scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanisms for the formation of transparent ZnO QDs close-packed structure were monitored via UV-vis spectra, and found likely to be a colloidal crystal. The colloidal crystal is transparent and absorbs UV light efficiently. Possible conditions for the formation of the ZnO QDs colloidal crystal are discussed. 2010 Materials Research Society.

Surfactant-free colloidal crystal based on ZnO quantum dots Conference Paper