Observation of large changes in the band gap absorption energy of small CdSe nanoparticles induced by the adsorption of a strong hole acceptor

When butylamine In relatively high concentrations (0.1-0.25 M) is added to a colloidal solution of CdSe nanoparticles (NPs) that are approximately 1.6 nm in diameter, the band gap absorption changes from a broad, relatively weak absorption centered at 445 nm to a narrow, relatively strong absorption centered at 414 nm. The effect of concentration on the observed spectrum shows an isobestic point, suggesting an equilibrium between two species. The possible mechanisms for such a transformation are discussed.