Fluorescence energy transfer in quantum dot/azo dye complexes in polymer track membranes

Yulia A Gromova,Anna O Orlova,Alexander V Baranov,Anatoly V Fedorov,Vladimir G Maslov

doi:10.1186/1556-276x-8-452

Abstract

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer in complexes of semiconductor CdSe/ZnS quantum dots with molecules of heterocyclic azo dyes, 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol and 4-(2-pyridylazo) resorcinol, formed at high quantum dot concentration in the polymer pore track membranes were studied by steady-state and transient PL spectroscopy. The effect of interaction between the complexes and free quantum dots on the efficiency of the fluorescence energy transfer and quantum dot luminescence quenching was found and discussed.

Highlights

For two decades, photophysical properties of complexes of semiconductor nanocrystals, or quantum dots (QDs), with organic molecules (OM) are of great interest
Creation of its complexes with hydrophobic QDs in solution is a nontrivial task. It was found in [10] that sequential embedding of hydrophobic CdSe/ZnS QDs and PAR molecules into track membranes leads to formation of PAR/QD complexes due to coordination of PAR molecules onto the surface Zn ions on the ZnS shell of CdSe/ZnS QDs
The strong QD PL quenching is observed at additional embedding of azo dye molecules into the membranes due to formation of QD/azo dye complexes with fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from QD to molecules

Summary

Introduction

Photophysical properties of complexes of semiconductor nanocrystals, or quantum dots (QDs), with organic molecules (OM) are of great interest. Creation of different structures based on quantum dots and organic molecules allows expanding significantly the area of quantum dot applications. These QD complexes are employed in sensors, catalysis, electronic devices, biology and medical studies [1,2,3,4]. QDs have high extinction coefficient in a broad spectral range and a high luminescence quantum yield. Their optical transition wavelengths depend on the nanocrystal size. QDs have high photostability and chemical resistance compared with organic molecules [6]

Methods

Results

Conclusion