A review on doped quantum dots of Ag/CdTe: Synthesis, characterization and applications

Semiconductor nanoparticles that show a strong quantum confinement effect are classified as quantum dots, e.g., a size domain below 10 nm in II-VI compound semiconductors. The optical properties of II-VI QDs, therefore, have become immensely attractive over the past three decades. Recently, doped QDs have attracted much attention in terms of their photonic behavior and chemical synthesis. Their plasmonic behaviour due to the presence of noble metals, such as silver has added further value to their chemical, biological, and physical properties. Silver-doped quantum dots, especially cadmium telluride is of tremendous interest to researchers because of its ability to cover a wide range of the visible spectrum, thus making it suitable for emission devices and imaging technology, alongside the possibility of effective photocatalytic behavior. The presence of silver nanoparticles in CdTe QDs can be expected either as inserted into the lattices of CdTe or as an adsorbed material on the surface or pores. Depending on their position, the alteration in CdTe properties can be tuned and exploited for a variety of applications. This review article provides ready material for researchers to understand the subject and availability of methodology and possible applications for Ag/CdTe type of quantum dots.