Environmentally benign synthesis of Bi2S3 quantum dot using microwave-assisted approach.

Oleic acid (OA) capped Bi2S3 quantum dots were successfully synthesized using 180 watt microwave power for 5 minutes in water-ethanol mixed solvents containing oleic acid as capping agent. In this approach, the reaction was conducted in ambient air and a much lower temperature than hot injection approach. The OA capped Bi2S3 QDs were characterized by using XRD, TEM, FTIR, UV-Vis and PL. The OA capped Bi2S3 QDs can be readily modified with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) via hydrophobic interaction to improve their solubility in aqueous solution. According to optical properties of the QDs, the modified QD revealed the additional features, such as photothermal therapeutic agent and fluorescent probe.