Construction of Ag-doped Zn–In–S quantum dots toward white LEDs and 3D luminescent patterning

Abstract

In this work, green-luminescent Ag-doped Zn–In–S quantum dots (Ag:Zn–In–S d-QDs) were successfully synthesized in oleylamine media with dodecanethiol via a one-pot noninjection synthetic strategy. The effect of Ag-doping concentration, reaction temperature, and reaction time on the photoluminescence (PL) properties of Ag:Zn–In–S d-QDs were systematically investigated. It is verified that green fluorescence of Ag:Zn–In–S d-QDs originates from the successful doping of Ag into the Zn–In–S host nanocrystals. ZnS shell was further coated on d-QDs to provide effective passivation, significantly improving the PL quantum yield from 7 to 28%. Then we employed 3D printing technology to achieve versatile low toxic fluorescent patterns towards anticounterfeit and optoelectronic applications for the first time. Also, Ag:Zn–In–S/ZnS d-QDs, as green phosphors, were used to fabricate a high-quality white light-emitting diode with a color rendering index of 90.3.