Abstract
Composition-tunable ternary Cd1−x Zn x S nanocrystals are among the most extensively studied alloyed semiconductor nanocrystals. However, they are almost exclusively prepared by wet chemical routes, which lead to surface-capped nanoparticles. Herein, we present a simple mechanical alloying process to prepare uncapped Zn1−x Cd x S nanocrystals throughout the entire composition range. The resulting nanocrystals have average sizes smaller than 9 nm, are chemically homogenous, and exhibit linear lattice parameter-composition and close-to-linear band-gap-composition relationships. Continuous lattice contraction of the Cd1−x Zn x S nanocrystals with the atomic Zn concentration results in a successional enlargement of their band gap energies expanding from the visible region to the ultraviolet (UV) region, demonstrating the ability for precise control of band gap engineering through composition tuning and mechanical alloying.
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Zhang, Q., Zhang, H., Liu, L. et al. Preparation of ternary Cd1−x Zn x S nanocrystals with tunable ultraviolet absorption by mechanical alloying. Electron. Mater. Lett. 11, 187–192 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13391-014-4327-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13391-014-4327-8