One-step synthesis of high-quality CdTe quantum dots using hydroxylamine hydrochloride to reduce sodium tellurite

Under alkaline conditions, thioglycollic acid (TGA)-CdTe quantum dots were prepared using hydroxylamine hydrochloride to reduce sodium tellurite in aqueous phase. The effects of n((Te)())(2-)/n((HONH3Cl)), reflux temperature, n((TGA))/n((Cd)())(2+), and reflux time on the properties of the CdTe quantum dots were investigated to determine the optimum synthesis conditions. The structure and properties of the CdTe quantum dots were characterized via X-ray powder diffraction, photoluminescence spectrometry, and UV-Vis absorption spectrometry. Results showed that the CdTe quantum dots synthesized herein were cubic crystals, and the maximum fluorescence emission wavelength could be adjusted from 520 to 570 nm. Under the optimum conditions, the fluorescence quantum yield of the CdTe quantum dots reached 46.57% at reflux for 1 h.