A novel non-TOPO route for the synthesis of colloidal CdSe quantum dots with high luminescence and stability

In this work, the synthesis of high quality CdSe Quantum Dots (QD´s) with different ligands (Trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO)/oleic Acid) has been reported. Oleic acid appears to be excellent replacement for TOPO in this reaction as stable CdSe nanocrystals with a narrow size distribution tunable over a broad range of sizes were obtained. This synthesis of high quality CdSe QD´s with oleic acid as the capping-ligand without using conventional non-coordinating solvent octadecene has been reported for the first time. The use of safer, cheaper and easily available oleic acid as compared to expensive, hazardous and toxic TOPO is a step towards the development of green chemistry.