Effects of S-containing ligands on the structure and electronic properties of CdnSen/CdnTen nanoparticles (n = 3, 4, 6, and 9)

To understand ligand capping effects on the structure and electronic properties of CdnXn (X = Se, Te; n = 3, 4, 6, and 9) species, we performed density functional theory studies of SCH2COOH-, SCH2CH2CO2H-, and SCH2CH 2NH2-capped nanoparticles. CdnXn capping with all three capping groups was found to produce significant NP distortions. All three ligands destabilize the NP HOMOs and either stabilize or destabilize their LUMOs, leading to closure of the HOMO/LUMO gaps for all of the capped species, because the HOMO destabilization effect is generally large than the LUMO destabilization effect. The calculated absorption spectra of bare and capped NPs, exemplified by CdnXn with n = 4 and 6, show that all capping groups cause noticeable red shifts for n = 4 and mostly blue shifts for n = 6. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Duke Scholars

Author David N. Beratan Chemistry