Raman characterization of CdTe/CdS-“core-shell”-clusters in colloids and films

Abstract We present the Raman spectroscopic characterization of thermally sintered CdTe/CdS-colloids in thin films. From the spectral data one can conclude that the thermal sintering of the CdTe/CdS-films between 100°C and 200°C initiates the CdTe cluster growth. Sintering temperatures of 300–400°C lead to a release of the Tributylphosphin- (TBP) capping ligands and to the formation of bare CdS- and CdTe nanocrystals. Above 400°C, the CdTe part of the nanostructures sublimates, leaving behind nearly pure CdS nanocrystallites.