Tin Domain Growth on Quasi-Two-Dimensional CdTe and CdSe Nanoparticles

Tin domain growth on quasi-two-dimensional colloidal CdSe and CdTe nanoparticles having the zinc blende structure has been studied. The initial quasi-two-dimensional CdSe and CdTe nanoparticles having lateral sizes of 100-200 nm were prepared by a colloidal method. Tin domain growth was accomplished in tetrahydrofuran via the reduction of a tin(II) salt by tetrabutylammonium borohydride. The tin domains had sizes of 10-20 nm as probed by TEM. In case of CdSe nanoparticles, tin domains were grown inside the inner cavities of initially rolled nanoparticles. A beta-tin phase was identified by X-ray diffraction. The absorption spectra featured the broadening of exciton bands corresponding to quasi-two-dimensional nanoparticles, the spectral positions of absorption peaks remaining almost unchanged.