Investigations on chemically capped CdS, ZnS and ZnCdS nanoparticles

CdS, ZnS and ZnCdS nanoparticles of various sizes (1±10 nm) are synthesized using a wet chemical route including passivation by organic capping molecules. The particles can also be doped with transition metal ions. The optical properties of the particles are investigated using UV absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopies. High resolution photoelectron spectroscopy using variable photon energy from a synchrotron source is performed to obtain detailed information about the nanoparticle surfaces. These investigations are able to reveal the termination of the nanoparticles and the nature of bonding between the surface atoms and stabilizing organic molecules. # 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved