Joung et al. Nanoscale Research Letters 2012, 7:93 http://www.nanoscalereslett.com/content/7/1/93 Page 7 of 8 Figure 5 Optical and structural characteristics of NQDs synthesized using new P precursors. (a) Absorption and PL spectra of InP synthesized using P(SiMe2-tert-Bu)3. (b) Emission from InP/ZnS core-shell NQDs with a PL max of 535 nm (green line), 573 nm (blue line), and 625 nm (red line). (c) Electron micrograph of InP NQDs (d = 2.14 nm (s = 0.38), 1s max = 560 nm). (d) Size of synthesized InP obtained from electron micrograph with respect to the first excitonic transition. 2.14 nm, exhibiting a quantum yield of approximately 28%. The diameters of at least 100 nanocrystals were counted for each sample from TEM images, and the average size and standard deviation were determined. Sizes of synthesized InP were able to be correlated with respect to the first exci- tonic transition, and they correspond well with a previously reported value synthesized with conventional P precursors [16]. In summary, we firstly developed a method for the synthesis of high-quality InP NQDs based on the use of synthesized P(SiMe2-tert-Bu)3 as the phosphorus precur- sor. A relatively stable phosphorus source allowed access to larger-sized InP NQDs without sacrificing a narrow size distribution. Further study of InP growth mechan- ism is under way. Conclusion In this study, a novel and rapid method for the synthesis of high-quality InP NQDs was developed based on the use of in situ P(SiMe2-tert-Bu)3 as the phosphorus pre- cursor. With respect to the conventionally used prescur- sor, the P(SiMe3)3 precursor is able to give access to larger-sized InP NQDs without sacrificing a narrow size distribution.