Structure and effects of annealing in colloidal matrix-free Ge quantum dots

The structure of Ge quantum dots prepared by colloidal synthesis shows a dependence on the preparation route. Comprehensive characterization using both synchrotron radiation (X-ray absorption and X-ray diffraction) and in-house facilities (Raman and transmission electron microscope) shows metastable phase features of as-prepared and annealed Ge nanoparticles.