CdSe and CdSe/CdS core–shell QDs: New approach for synthesis, investigating optical properties and application in pollutant degradation

Abstract In this work, CdSe quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized by a simple and rapid microwave activated approach using CdSO 4 , Na 2 SeO 3 as precursors and thioglycolic acid (TGA) as capping agent molecule. A novel photochemical approach was introduced for the growth of CdS QDs and this approach was used to grow a CdS shell around CdSe cores for the formation of a CdSe/CdS core–shell structure. The core–shells were structurally verified using X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and FTIR (Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR)) spectroscopy. The optical properties of the samples were examined by means of UV–Vis and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. It was found that CdS QDs emit a broad band white luminescence between 400 to 700 nm with a peak located at about 510 nm. CdSe QDs emission contained a broad band resulting from trap states between 450 to 800 nm with a peak located at 600 nm. After CdS shell growth, trap states emission was considerably quenched and a near band edge emission was appeared about 480 nm. Optical studies revealed that the core–shell QDs possess strong ultraviolet (UV) − visible light photocatalytic activity. CdSe/CdS core–shell QDs, showed an enhancement in photodegradation of Methyl orange (MO) compared with CdSe QDs.