Ultrasound-assisted reverse micelle synthesis of ZnSe/ZnS nanoparticles. Study of the effect of power and water:surfactant ratio on morphology & crystallinity

Jaime Moroni Mora Muñoz¹Minerva Guerra Balcázar^1*Carlos Guzman Martinez^1*Lorena Alvarez-Contreras²Luis Godinez³ALEJANDRA ALVAREZ LOPEZ¹José Alberto RODRIGUEZ MORALES¹Juan Campos Guillén³

• ¹Autonomous University of Queretaro, Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico
• ²Centro de Investigación de Materiales Avanzados (CIMAV), Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico
• ³Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico

This study addresses the synthesis of ZnSe/ZnS nanoparticles using ultrasound-assisted reverse micelle techniques, focusing on the influence of ultrasonic power and the water-to-surfactant ratio on the structural and optoelectronic properties of the nanoparticles. Achieving controlled morphology and high crystallinity remains a challenge in the synthesis of these nanomaterials, which are crucial for technological applications. The research employed a combination of sonochemistry and reverse micelle synthesis by varying ultrasonic power and water-to-surfactant ratios to investigate their effects on nanoparticle formation. Key findings demonstrate that higher ultrasonic power enhances crystalline quality and homogeneity, while variations in the water-to-surfactant ratio significantly influence particle size and morphology. Observed variations in optical band gaps correlated with synthesis parameters. Photoelectrochemical tests established a direct relationship between the structural features of the nanomaterials and their performance, with specific morphologies exhibiting unique photocurrent behaviors. This study underscores the importance of fine-tuning synthesis conditions to tailor the properties of ZnSe/ZnS nanoparticles for specific technological applications, showcasing the potential of combining sonochemistry and reverse micelle methods in nanomaterial production.