Solvothermal Route to Nanocrystalline CdSe

Nanocrystallines CdSe semiconductor was synthesized through a novel solvothermal process, in which CdCl2, Se, and Na reacted at 120°C for 6h in an autoclave, and ethylenediamine was used as a solvent. An XRD pattern indicated a hexagonal CdSe phase. TEM imaging showed that the product consisted of homogeneous granular particles with an average size of about 7 nm. Photoluminescence spectra of the 7-nm CdSe showed a 0.3-eV blue shift compared with that of the bulk materials, indicating its quantum confinement.