CdSe and Ag2S quantum dots: synthesis, effects of doping, and applications

Cadmium selenide (CdSe) and silver sulfide (Ag2S) are colloidal chalcogenide quantum dots (CCQDs). CCQDs have been extensively used in novel applications. These applications are quantum dots-sensitized solar cells, photocatalysts, sensors, hydrogen production, and light-emitting diodes. CCQDs have unique optical properties including a narrow bandgap and high light absorption coefficient. CdSe and Ag2S are useable materials owning to their chemical stability, simplicity of fabrication, and less toxicity. CdSe and Ag2S have been doped with noble metal (e.g., Ag and Au) and transition metal (e.g., Mn and Cu) to improve their optical and magnetic properties. CdSe and Ag2S can be synthesized by hydrothermal, chemical bath deposition, microwave-assisted and sonochemical routes. In this chapter, the properties and synthesis methods are explained. The effect of doping with transition and noble metals is discussed. The improvement in different applications utilizing CdSe and Ag2S is explored.