Synthesis and optical properties of bicomponent nanorods

INOR 157

Eric G. Tulsky, etulsky@ccs.nrl.navy.mil, John Wilkinson, Edward E. Foos, and Arthur W. Snow. Chemistry Division, Naval Research Laboratory, 4555 Overlook Ave SW, Washington, DC 20375
Nanoparticles of II-VI semiconductors such as CdSe are readily synthesized via reaction in molten trioctylphosphine oxide; the morphology of the resulting particles is determined by the concentration of alkylphosphonic acid present in solution. Under appropriate conditions, a regime can be achieved in which growth is exclusively one-dimensional, resulting in nanorods which are quantum confined in two dimensions. This presents a new opportunity for multicomponent materials -- whereas spherical growth of nanoparticles has permitted synthesis and extensive study of core-shell particles, the linear growth regime makes possible the synthesis of bicomponent nanorods. Investigation into the growth of these new luminescent materials and their optical properties is reported.