Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 February 2011
Host-matrix gels were prepared by hydrolysis of TEOS with the addition ofcadmium nitrate, formamide as DCCA (drying control chemical additive) andsubmitted to a preselected dose of high power ultrasound. The impregnationof the dry “sonogel” with KSeCN solution under vacuum conditions promotedthe formation of the CdSe nanocrystals and enhanced the mechanicalproperties of the matrix. A transparent red xerogel was obtained andcharacterized by optical spectroscopy, TEM and SAXS measurements. Theresults support a structural model of a porous matrix containing CdSenanocrystals exhibiting a bimodal size distribution that depends on the Secontent of the impregnating solutions. The blue shift of the opticalabsorption bands reveal the quantum-size confinement effects of CdSenanocrystals.