title: Stability studies of CdSe nanocrystals in an aqueous environment.
abstract: In this paper, CdSe nanocrystal dissolution in an aqueous solution was studied. It was found that light is a key factor affecting the dissolution of nanocrystals. In the presence of light, the electrons generated from CdSe nanocrystals reduce water to hydrogen and hydroxide ions (OH-) while photo-generated holes oxidize CdSe to Cd2+ and elemental Se. The dissolution was accelerated in an acidic medium while moderate alkalinity (pH=10.3) can slow down the dissolution possibly due to precipitation of nanocrystals. This study has strong implications for the use of these crystals in aqueous environments (bioimaging and dye-sensitized solar cells).
authors: School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore.
authors: Lifei
authors: L
authors: Xi
authors: Jun Yan
authors: JY
authors: Lek
authors: Yen Nan
authors: YN
authors: Liang
authors: Chris
authors: C
authors: Boothroyd
authors: Wenwen
authors: W
authors: Zhou
authors: Qingyu
authors: Q
authors: Yan
authors: Xiao
authors: X
authors: Hu
authors: Freddy Boey Yin
authors: FB
authors: Chiang
authors: Yeng Ming
authors: YM
authors: Lam