Abstract:
Colloidal cadmium telluride (CdTe) nanoplatelets (NPLs) are promising materials for
optoelectronic applications, such as photovoltaics and light-emitting diodes, due to their unique
optical and electronic properties. However, controlling their growth, thickness, and stoichiometry
remains challenging. This study explores the effect of synthesis temperature on the structural, optical,
and stoichiometric properties of CdTe NPLs. CdTe NPLs were synthesized at temperatures of 170 ◦C,
180 ◦C, 190 ◦C, and 200 ◦C using colloidal methods. The resulting NPLs were characterized by UV–
Vis absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy
(TEM), and total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) to assess their morphology, structure, and
elemental composition. The results showed that the synthesis temperature significantly affected the
NPL’s morphology and stoichiometry. Optimal stoichiometry was achieved at 180 ◦C and 190 ◦C,
with the crystal structure transitioning from zinc blende at lower temperatures to wurtzite at higher
temperatures. Optical properties, including luminescence intensity and emission peaks, also varied
with temperature. The synthesis temperature is an important parameter in controlling the structural
and optical properties of CdTe NPLs. The optimal conditions for obtaining NPLs with the best
characteristics were identified at 190 ◦C, presenting important findings for further optimization of
CdTe NPL synthesis for optoelectronic applications.
