Spectroscopic and structural characterization of electrochemically grown ZnO quantum dots

We report a novel method for the synthesis of stable, OH free zinc oxide quantum dots, using an electrochemical route. The optical properties of these quantum dots were studied at room temperature, by taking the optical absorption and luminescence spectra. The band gap luminescence is predominant in ZnO quantum dots synthesized by the present technique, while the green defect induced luminescence, typical of ZnO, is strongly quenched. The role of defects in photoluminescence emission is discussed.