Hydrothermal synthesis of CdSe quantum dots using continuous flow chemistry

Currently, most processes synthesizing CdSe quantum dots (QDs) use organic solvents, which permit high temperature reactions. In this poster we describe our most recent advances to synthesize CdSe QDs in water using advanced continuous flow technologies. It is necessary to produce a water-soluble selenide precursor, compatible with flow chemistry.
Firstly, we have developed a novel water-soluble, pH responsive phosphine-based chalcogen vehicle (R3P=Se). In a second time, the R3P=Se so-formed is engaged in a reaction with Cd2+ to produce CdSe QDs. The nanoparticles obtained are stabilized with 3-mercaptopropionic acid. The influence of parameters such as temperature and residence time, on the size and the fluorescence of the QDs, are estimated.