Complete reversible phase transfer of luminescent CdTe nanocrystals mediated by hexadecylamine

The complete reversible phase transfer of TGA-capped CdTe NCs between aqueous and chloroform in the presence of 1-hexadecylamine (HDA) is demonstrated. It was found that the primary amine HDA is crucial in initiating the reversible phase transfer. FTIR measurements suggest that the phase transfer reversibility results from the reversible modification of CdTe NCs through the formation of surface -COONH3-complexes. UV-Vis investigations indicate that the transfer efficiency of CdTe NCs from aqueous to chloroform is dependent on the HDA concentration and the diameter of CdTe NCs. XRD and PL studies show that the particle size and distribution of CdTe NCs are retained, while the PL intensity of CdTe NCs is enhanced after the reversible phase transfer.