Encapsulation of highly confined CdSe quantum dots for defect free luminescence and improved stability

Abstract

This is the first report on the generation of trap states and their effective elimination in highly confined CdSe quantum dots in order to obtain enhanced and stable optical properties prepared by aqueous route. Surface plays an important role in optical properties of quantum dots (QDs) and surface modification of quantum dots can improve optical properties. In present work luminescent CdSe QDs were prepared using 2-Mercaptoethanol (2-ME) as stabilizing agent and encapsulated by polymer. Different concentrations of 2-ME were used to tune the emission spectra with respect to their reduced size. Addition of 2-ME to CdSe QDs enhances the trap emission and quenching band edge emission due to (i) increased surface to volume ratio and; (ii) presence of high concentration of sulfide ions as confirmed from EDX analysis as sulfide ions possesses the hole scavenging characteristics. Polymer encapsulation of QDs was carried out to make them stable and to improve their optical properties. Even though there are previous reports addressing the improved optical properties by polymer encapsulation and silica encapsulation but experimentally it has not been reported yet experimentally. In this work we have synthesized and characterized water soluble polymer encapsulated QDs and proved the facts experimentally. Photoluminescence spectroscopy clearly reveals the role of polymer encapsulation in boosting the optical properties of CdSe QDs. FTIR spectra validate the presence of biocompatible functional groups on CdSe4/PEG (Polymer encapsulated QDs).