Water-soluble silica-overcoated CdS:Mn/ZnS semiconductor quantum dots

Highly luminescent and photostable CdS:Mn/ZnS core/shell quantum dots are not water soluble because of their hydrophobicity. To create water-soluble quantum dots by an appropriate surface functionalization, CdS:Mn/ZnS quantum dots synthesized in a water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsion system (reverse micelles) were consecutively overcoated with a very thin silica layer ( approximately 2.5 nm thick) within the same reverse micellar system. The water droplet serves as a nanosized reactor for the controlled hydrolysis and condensation of a silica precursor, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), using an ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) catalyst. Structural characterizations with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicate that the silica-quantum dot nanocomposites consist of a layered structure. Owing to the amorphous, porous nature of a silica layer, the optical and photophysical properties of silica-overcoated CdS:Mn/ZnS quantum dots are found to remain close to those of uncoated counterparts.     

A novel silica-coated multiwall carbon nanotube with CdTe quantum dots nanocomposite

A novel silica-coated multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNTs) with CdTe quantum dots nanocomposite was synthesized in this paper. Here, we show the in situ growth of crystalline CdTe quantum dots on the surfaces of oxidized MWNTs. The approach proposed herein differs from previous attempts to synthesize nanotube assemblies in that we mix the oxidized MWNTs into CdCl₂ solution of CdTe nanocrystals synthesized in aqueous solution. Reinforced the QD–MWNTs heterostructures with silica coating, this method is not invasive and does not introduce defects to the structure of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and it ensures high stability in a range of organic solvents. Furthermore, a narrow SiO₂ layer on the MWNT–CdTe heterostructures can eliminate the biological toxicity of quantum dots and carbon nanotubes. This is not only a breakthrough in the synthesis of one-dimensional nanostructures, but also taking new elements into bio-nanotechnology.     

Biosilicated CdSe/ZnS quantum dots as photoluminescent transducers for acetylcholinesterase-based biosensors

CdSe/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (QDs) are functionalized with mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) and subsequently covered with poly-L-lysine (PLL) as the template for the formation of the silica outer shell. This nanocomposite is used as a transduction and stabilization system for optical biosensor development. The covalent immobilization of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase from Drosophila melanogaster (AChE) during the formation of the biomimetically synthesized silica is used here as a model, relatively unstable enzyme, as a proof of principle. The enzyme is successfully immobilized onto the QDs and then stabilized by the PLL capping and the subsequent formation of the outer nanoporous silica thin shell, giving rise to the QD/AChE/PLL/silica biosensor. It is shown that the poly-L-lysine templated silica outer shell does not modify the optical properties of the quantum dots, while it protects the enzyme from unfolding and denaturation. The small pores of the silica shell allow for the free diffusion of the analyte to the active center of the enzyme, while it does not allow for the proteases to reach the enzyme. The response of the QD/AChE/PLL/silica nano-biosensor to its substrate, acetylcholine chloride, is evaluated by monitoring the changes in the QDs' photoluminescence which are related to the changes in pH. These pH changes of the surrounding environment of the QDs are induced by the enzymatic reaction, and are associated with the analyte concentration in the solution. The biodetection system proposed is shown to be stable with a storage lifetime of more than 2 months. The data presented provides the grounds for the application of this nanostructured biosensor for the detection of AChE inhibitors.     

Mass production of highly fluorescent full color carbon dots from the petroleum coke

Heavy oil is treated as an undesirable raw material in traditional refining markets because of its low yield. However, its rich natural aromatic structure and heteroatomic compounds make it possible to be a precursor to large-scale production of carbon materials. Using heavy oil and three SDA products as precursors, we synthesized highly fluorescent multi-color carbon dots (CDs) by hydrothermal method, which can precisely control the photoluminescence wavelength in the range of 350?650 nm. The synthesized carbon dots have the advantages of good long-term stability and stability under extreme pH conditions and low price. Importantly, the carbon dots synthesized with asphalt as the precursor have the highest fluorescence quantum yield. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is used to elucidate the effects of different precursor on emission color change and photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), thus providing a controlled tuning of the system for the functionalization of CDs. And we further used the CDs in macrophage labeling. This pathway gives a reliable and repeatable industry possibility and may boost the applications of CDs into reality.     

Microstructure-controlled aerosol-gel synthesis of ZnO quantum dots dispersed in SiO2 nanospheres

ZnO quantum dots dispersed in a silica matrix were synthesized from a TEOS:Zn(NO(3))(2) solution by a one-step aerosol-gel method. It was demonstrated that the molar concentration ratio of Zn to Si (Zn/Si) in the aqueous solution was an efficient parameter with which to control the size, the degree of agglomeration, and the microstructure of ZnO quantum dots (QDs) in the SiO(2) matrix. When Zn/Si ≤ 0.5, unaggregated quantum dots as small as 2 nm were distributed preferentially inside SiO(2) spheres. When Zn/Si ≥ 1.0, however, ZnO QDs of ～7 nm were agglomerated and reached the SiO(2) surface. When decreasing the ratio of the Zn/Si, a blue shift in the band gap of ZnO was observed from the UV/Visible absorption spectra, representing the quantum size effect. The photoluminescence emission spectra at room temperature denoted two wide peaks of deep-level defect-related emissions at 2.2-2.8 eV. When decreasing Zn/Si, the first peak at ～2.3 eV was blue-shifted in keeping with the decrease in the size of the QDs. Interestingly, the second visible peak at 2.8 eV disappeared in the surface-exposed ZnO QDs when Zn/Si ≥ 1.0.     

Quantum dot doped solid polymer electrolyte for device application

ZnS capped CdSe quantum dots embedded in PEO:KI:I₂ polymer electrolyte matrix have been synthesized and characterized for dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) application. The complex impedance spectroscopy shows enhance in ionic conductivity (σ) due to charges provide by quantum dots (QD) while AFM affirm the uniform distribution of QD into polymer electrolyte matrix. Cyclic voltammetry revealed the possible interaction between polymer electrolyte, QD and iodide/iodine. The photovoltaic performances of the DSSC containing quantum dots doped polymer electrolyte was also found to improve.     

荧光团杂化纳米SiO2微球作为生物标记探针的应用研究

近年来 ,无机发光量子点[1,2 ] 、荧光纳米乳液微球[3 ,4 ] 及发光团掺杂 Si O2 纳米粒子[5] 等纳米荧光探针的出现 ,为生物标记提供了新的发展领域 .将有机染料以共价方式包埋在 Si O2 中所得的复合材料具有独特的光学性质 ,然而其在生物标记方面的应用并未得到重视[6 ,7] .本实验通过控制荧光团修饰的硅烷前体在反相胶束体系中的水解缩合 ,合成了用于生物染色和诊断的高灵敏度、高稳定性的新型荧光团杂化纳米 Si O2 微球 ( NFHS微球 ) .在 NFHS微球中 ,荧光团以共价方式地均匀分散在 Si O2 网络结构中 ,避免了与外界体系中溶解氧的…     

One-bath synthesis of hydrophilic molecularly imprinted quantum dots for selective recognition of chlorophenol

A simple one-bath strategy has been developed to synthesize a novel CdTe@SiO₂@MIP（molecularly imprinted and silica-functionalized CdTe quantum dots,MISFQDs）,in which a silica shell was coated on the surface of CdTe quantum dots （CdTe@SiO₂ QDs） and then a polymer for selective recognition of 4-chlorophenol（4-CP） was constructed on the surface of CdTe@SiO₂ QDs using mercaptoacetic acid as stabilizer,3-aminopropyl-trimethoxysilane（APTES） as functional monomers and tetraethoxysilane（TEOS） as crosslink agent.The structures of CdTe@SiO₂@MIP were analyzed by ultraviolet-visible absorption. Fluorescence,FT-IR spectrum and powder X-ray diffraction.The application and characterization of the CdTe@SiO₂@MIP were investigated by experiments.All results indicated that the CdTe@SiO₂@MIP can selectively recognize 4-chlorophenol.     

CdSe/CdS/SiO2复合纳米球的制备及发光性能

采用两相法合成了CdSe/CdS核-壳结构的量子点, 用氨水催化水解正硅酸乙酯制得复合结构的CdSe/CdS/SiO₂发光纳米球. 通过对量子点用量、氨水用量、反应时间及溶剂比例等实验条件的调节, 得到了单分散性较好, 尺寸在23~145 nm的复合发光纳米球. 利用紫外-可见吸收光谱和荧光发射光谱对其发光性能进行了研究, 同时利用透射电镜(TEM)观察复合纳米球的形貌. 结果表明, 复合发光纳米球样品的最高荧光量子产率可达8%.     

以无机硫为原料制备硫化铅量子点及其表征

根据高温下快速成核低温下慢速生长的量子点制备原理, 采用胶体化学的方法成功制备了不同粒径的硫化铅半导体量子点. 这种方法的特点是以无味和低毒的硫化钠作为制备硫化铅量子点硫的前驱物, 因此这是一种量子点的绿色化学合成方法. 油酸作为稳定剂控制硫化铅的粒径. 采用X射线衍射和高分辨透射电镜表征了量子点的晶体结构、形貌和粒径, 采用可见-近红外吸收光谱研究了硫化铅量子点的量子尺寸效应. 通过降低油酸的添加量可以促进量子点的生长, 得到较大粒径量子点. 并探讨了量子点的生长机理.     

Preparation and characterization of monodisperse CdS quantum dot‐polymer microspheres

A novel and effective method for the preparation of monodisperse CdS quantum dot‐polymer microspheres was proposed. The monodisperse hollow polymer microspheres were firstly swelled in chloroform. Then, the reaction precursor composed of CdO and sulfur, was impregnated into the hollow polymer microspheres. Subsequently, the CdS quantum dots were synthesized directly within the polymer microspheres by thermal decomposition. The morphology, structure, and fluorescence properties of CdS quantum dot‐polymer microspheres were studied by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, fluorescence microscope, and flow cytometry. The results indicate that the fluorescent CdS quantum dots are successfully synthesized in the monodisperse hollow polymer microspeheres, which provide very strong fluorescence intensity, and offer excellent photostability due to the compact structure of the polymer matrix. These CdS quantum dot‐polymer microspheres have potential applications in biotechnology and biomedicine. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 751–755, 2010     

SANS Study of CdS and CdSe Quantum Dot Crystal Growth in a Silica Matrix by Sol-Gel

Size and size distribution of the semiconductor nanocrystals embedded in a dielectric matrix play a dominant role in line broadening and the exciton quantum confinement level. The results show new aspects of the CdS and CdSe crystal growth as quantum dots using small angle neutron scattering techniques (SANS). Thus, the crystal growth influences the aggregation process of the silica network. The intensity difference of the scattering between the silica matrix and the composite accounts for the crystal size and their volume fraction. Under similar conditions CdS nanocrystals grow faster and bigger than CdSe ones.     

The Effect of CdSe and InP Quantum Dots on the Interaction of ZnO with NO<Subscript>2</Subscript> under Visible Light Irradiation

Nanocomposites based on nanocrystalline ZnO and CdSe and InP nanocrystals (quantum dots) have been synthesized by chemical precipitation and high-temperature colloidal synthesis. The microstructure parameters of the oxide matrix and the size of the CdSe and InP nanocrystals have been determined. A correlation was established between the spectral dependence of the photoconductivity of nanocomposites and the optical absorption spectra of quantum dots. The influence of CdSe and InP quantum dots on the interaction of ZnO with NO₂ under visible light irradiation has been studied. It has been shown that the synthesized nanocomposites can be used to detect NO₂ under illumination with green light without additional thermal heating.     

Facile synthesis of blue-emitting carbon dots@mesoporous silica composite spheres

This paper reported a facile and effective approach towards high-efficient composite luminophores by embedding blue-emitting N-doped carbon dots into spherical SiO₂ matrix (CDs@SiO₂). Mesoporous silica microspheres (r-CDs@MSN) with strong luminescence were synthesized by removing CTAB templates in CDs@SiO₂ using reflux with acetone. The r-CDs@MSN possess a spherical morphology with smooth surface and a diameter of 130 nm, while it exhibits an excitation-independent blue emission peak at 440 nm with an internal quantum yield of 21.5%. BET result shows that the corresponding surface area and adsorption total pore volume are 156.27 m²/g and 0.682 cm³/g, which is suitable for the drugs loading and release. The results indicate that r-CDs@MSN might act as a potential fluorescent drug carrier.     

High‐Performance Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)‐Based Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells: Rational Design of Quantum Dots for Wide Solar‐Spectrum Utilization

High‐performance Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)‐based dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been successfully fabricated through the optimized design of a CdSe/CdS quantum‐dot (QD) donor and a dye acceptor. This simple approach enables quantum dots and dyes to simultaneously utilize the wide solar spectrum, thereby resulting in high conversion efficiency over a wide wavelength range. In addition, major parameters that affect the FRET interaction between donor and acceptor have been investigated including the fluorescent emission spectrum of QD, and the content of deposited QDs into the TiO₂ matrix. By judicious control of these parameters, the FRET interaction can be readily optimized for high photovoltaic performance. In addition, the as‐synthesized water‐soluble quantum dots were highly dispersed in a nanoporous TiO₂ matrix, thereby resulting in excellent contact between donors and acceptors. Importantly, high‐performance FRET‐based DSSCs can be prepared without any infrared (IR) dye synthetic procedures. This novel strategy offers great potential for applications of dye‐sensitized solar cells.     

连翘苷荧光传感器的构建和应用

以柠檬酸为碳源,三聚氰胺和甲醛为双掺杂剂合成碳量子点,并对合成的量子点进行透射电镜(TEM)、傅里叶变换红外光谱(FTIR)、X射线粉末衍射(XRD)、紫外吸收光谱(UV)和荧光光谱(RF)表征,结果表明该量子点粒径均一,发光稳定,适合用作荧光探针。优化了碳量子点含量、pH、反应时间以及温度等影响因素,结果显示检测波长λmax=425 nm时,连翘苷在0.008~0.030 mg/mL范围内有良好的线性关系,1/△f=0.00005(1/c)+0.0003(R2=0.9948),加标回收率在92.5%~106.3%之间,RSD<5%,且干扰物质、反应时间、温度等因素在一定范围内对实验结果的测定无影响。该方法可用于药剂中连翘苷含量的测定。     

Structure of CdS/SiO2 Nanocomposites: Influence of the Precursor and Cd Concentration

The influence of using TMOS or TEOS in the formation of CdS quantum dots in a silica matrix have been studied by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The amount of Cd-S bonds have been monitored as a function of the nominal Cd concentration. The relative amount of CdS crystals depends on the precursor. The use of TEOS is not recommended because it gives a poor yield, especially for high Cd concentration. A discussion of the influence of CdS concentration in matrices from TMOS is carried out from structural models created from their pore volume distribution. The mean pore size becomes smaller and the size distribution more uniform when CdS concentration increases but the nanocrystals of low CdS nominal content present a more efficient quantum confinement.     

ZnS∶Co半导体量子点的制备及其光电化学性质

采用低温水热技术,分别以柠檬酸(CA)和巯基丙酸(MPA)为稳定剂,在70℃的水相中合成了单分散的,粒子尺寸约为4 nm的ZnS∶Co半导体量子点.研究了稳定剂、Co2+掺杂剂及其掺杂量对掺杂量子点发光性能和结构的影响.XRD结果表明,Co2+离子主要掺杂在量子点表面,对主体ZnS晶格没有影响.当采用MPA为稳定剂,掺杂量为5%(摩尔分数)时,掺杂量子点的荧光发射强度最高;而同样掺杂量下采用CA为稳定剂时,量子点的荧光发射强度有所下降.循环伏安研究显示,与空白ZnS量子点相比,Co2+离子的掺杂在ZnS的禁带中形成杂质能级,相应地,ZnS∶Co量子点的吸收边发生红移.与未掺杂ZnS量子点相比,掺杂量子点具有较少的表面非辐射复合中心,因而荧光发射强度显著提高.     

Immobilization of quantum dots of cadmium selenide on the matrix of a graft liquid-crystalline polymer

A new luminescent composite based on quantum dots of CdSe immobilized on the polymer LC matrix prepared through the graft polymerization of the monomer of 4-(ω-acryloyloxyhexyloxy)benzoic acid on a fluorocarbon support after its preliminary irradiation with vacuum ultraviolet light is elaborated. The structure, composition, and optical characteristics of the prepared composite are studied via the methods of the FTIR spectroscopy, energy-dispersive and wave-dispersive analyses, and luminescence spectroscopy. The CdSe particles are shown to interact with the carboxyl groups of mesogenic fragments of the LC polymer, and this interaction leads to the integration of quantum dots into the ordered LC structure of the composite. As a result of immobilization, the luminescence peak of the quantum dots is shifted toward lower wavelengths owing to the interaction between the nanoparticles and the polymer LC matrix.     

Stable nonequilibrium composites based on liquid-crystalline polymers and cadmium selenide nanoparticles

On the basis of copolymers of 4-methoxyphenyl-4-(6-(acryloyloxyhexyloxy)benzoate with 4-(6-acryloyloxyhexyloxy)benzoic acid, nonequilibrium composites containing nanoparticles (quantum dots) of cadmium selenide at concentrations many times higher than their solubility limit in the liquid-crystalline phase are synthesized. In the resulting material, the polymer matrix undergoes the transition to the liquidcrystalline state before separation into phases with concentrations of nanoparticles corresponding to thermodynamically equilibrium values. Under common conditions, the composites are stable for at least several months.