CdS, ZnS and ZnCdS nanoparticles of various sizes (1-10 nm) are synthesized
using a wet chemical route including passivation by organic capping molecu
les. The particles can also be doped with transition metal ions. The optica
l properties of the particles are investigated using UV absorption and phot
oluminescence spectroscopies. High resolution photoelectron spectroscopy us
ing variable photon energy from a synchrotron source is performed to obtain
detailed information about the nanoparticle surfaces. These investigations
are able to reveal the termination of the nanoparticles and the nature of
bonding between the surface atoms and stabilizing organic molecules. (C) 20
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