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The Synthesis of Zinc Copper Indium Sulfide Quantum Dots

The Synthesis of Zinc Copper Indium Sulfide Quantum Dots
Contributors
Ryan Trovitch
Associate Professor | Arizona State University
Beyond Benign
Beyond Benign, Inc.
John De Backere
Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream | University of Toronto, St. George Campus
Learning Objets
Summary
In this experiment, ZnCuInS2 quantum dots of differing sizes are prepared and analyzed by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The ZnCuInS quantum dot synthesis is inherently greener than common nanoparticle syntheses, e.g. CsPbX3 or CdSe, because the use of Pb and Cd is avoided. Due to their tunability and excellent optical properties, quantum dots have allowed for the development of QLED display technology.
Keywords
Nanochemistry
Solid-State Chemistry

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Moderation state
Published
Object Type
Laboratory experiment
Audience
Introductory Undergraduate
Upper/Advanced Undergraduate
Published on
Green Chemistry Principles
Less Hazardous Chemical Syntheses
Design for Degradation
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Clean Water and Sanitation
Learning Goals/Student Objectives
In performing this experiment, students have the opportunity to analyze aliquots from a reaction while monitoring temperature and sample color. Upon collecting the absorption spectrum obtained for each aliquot, the students will learn how to determine the band edge wavelength of nanoparticles as they grow, allowing for calculation of their diameter and band gap energy. The emission spectrum of each sample is also collected to demonstrate that photoluminescence wavelength increases as a function of reaction time. The optional isolation of nanoparticles following centrifugation affords students the opportunity to collect infrared spectroscopic data (to analyze surface functionality), atomic absorption data (to determine the underlying Zn:Cu molar ratio), and powder X-ray diffraction data (to analyze solid-state structure).
Common pedagogies covered
Collaborative/cooperative learning
Hands-on learning
Time required (if applicable)
3 hours

Submitted by

John De Backere
Reviewed by
Stephanie Hurst
Safety Precautions, Hazards, and Risk Assessment
Dodecanethiol has a skunky odor and care should be taken to prevent spilling of this reagent. The collection of exceptionally hot reaction aliquots by pipet presents a burn hazard. Spilling of this solution onto the hotplate can result in combustion. Continuing to heat the flask after most or all of the solvent has been removed can result in the flask cracking.
Teacher Recommendations or Piloting Data (if available)
This experiment has been tested at both the University of Toronto and Arizona State University over multiple years. This activity is adapted from Lisensky, G.; McFarland-Porter, R.; Paquin, W.; Liu, K. J. Chem. Educ. 2020, 97, 806-812, doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.9b00642
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.59877/IYVJ9341
Other notes/information
This activity is adapted from Lisensky, G.; McFarland-Porter, R.; Paquin, W.; Liu, K. J. Chem. Educ. 2020, 97, 806-812, doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.9b00642.

File (PDF, PPT, image, etc)

File (PDF, PPT, image, etc)
zncuinsqdexperimentfinalrjt.docx
Link to external
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.9b00642
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.