CdxZn1−xS (x = 0.0 to 1.0, at 0.1 interval) quantum dots were synthesized by mechanical alloying of a stoichiometric mixture of elemental Cd, Zn and S powders at room temperature under Ar in record minimum time. The Cd0.5Zn0.5S quantum dots were formed after 25 min and the Cd0.1Zn0.9S quantum dots after 160 min of milling. The X-ray and high resolution transmission electron microscope characterizations revealed the presence of both major and minor zincblende and wurtzite phases and stacking faults in these quantum dots. Lattice parameters of both these phases decreased and the optical band-gaps increased continuously with increasing Zn concentrations. A very distinct change in colour of these quantum dots from blue to red was noticed with increasing Cd concentration from 0 to 1, indicating that optical band-gap varies with varying composition.

Microstructure and Optical Band-Gap of Mechano-Synthesized CdxZn1-xS Quantum Dots. S.Sain, S.Patra, S.K.Pradhan: Journal of Physics D, 2011, 44[7], 075101