Unraveling the role of superoxide radicals in CdS quantum dot instability†

Photocorrosion hinders CdS development, this study shows that after 2 hours of irradiation in oxygen, H₂O₂ yield of CdS reached 1.4 mmol g⁻¹, while it was nearly undetectable under nitrogen. Capture experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance confirm that O₂ acts as an electron acceptor, forming radicals that oxidize and deactivate CdS.