Stabilization of Emitting CdTe Nanocrystals in Glass Matrices without Deterioration of the Surface by a Novel Sol-Gel Process

Abstract

Highly luminescent glass phosphor was prepared by stabilizing II-VI semiconductor nanocrystals in a glass matrix using a novel sol-gel process. Water-dispersible CdTe nanocrystals were used in this preparation and the synthesis process was optimized to avoid nanocrystals agglomeration and to prevent dissolution of constituent ions. The nanocrystals embedded in the glass matrix remain unmodified during the preparation. The obtained material combines excellent optical properties of nanocrystals with the stability of glass; the phosphor material emits light of various colors with high photoluminescence efficiency, and is thus a suitable phosphor material for light-emitting devices.