Long-term stability of CdSe/CdZnS quantum dot encapsulated in a multi-lamellar microcapsule

Abstract

We developed a novel and easy encapsulation method for quantum dots (QDs) using a partially oxidized semi-crystalline polymeric material which forms a micron-sized granule with a multi-lamellar structure from a dilute solution. The QDs were highly dispersed in the granule in such a way that they were adsorbed on the lamella with ∼12 nm spacing followed by lamellar stacking. The QDs were heavily loaded into the granule to 16.7 wt% without aggregation, a process which took only a few minutes. We found that the quantum yield of the QDs was not degraded after the encapsulation. The encapsulated QD–silicone composite exhibited excellent long-term photo- and thermal stability with its initial photoluminescence intensity maintained after blue LED light radiation for 67 days and storage at 85 °C and 85% relative humidity for 119 days.