Interaction of CdTe Quantum Dots with 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl Free Radical: A Spectroscopic, Fluorimetric and Kinetic Study

The interaction of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH^●) free radical with thiol-capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) has been studied by UV–vis spectroscopy, steady state and time resolved fluorescence measurements. Addition of DPPH^● radical to CdTe QDs resulted in fluorescence quenching. The interaction occurs through static quenching as this was confirmed by fluorescence lifetime measurements. Time course absorption studies indicates that DPPH^● may be reduced by interaction with QDs to the substituted hydrazine form (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine) DPPH-H. The mechanism of fluorescence quenching of CdTe QDs by DPPH^● is proposed.