Abstract

The present work reports the changes in CdTe quantum dots' size and optical properties (CdTe QDs) after interaction with hydroxyl radicals (•OH). Through characterization by UV-vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, it was possible to observe the reduction in the size of the nanoparticles when exposed to Fenton's reagent (source of •OH radicals) under constant exposure to UV light. Furthermore, the results show shifts in the emission peak values at lower wavelengths, dependent on the initial size of the QD and the radical's concentration.