Polymer/carbon-based quantum dot nanocomposite: forthcoming materials for technical application

Abstract

This endeavor presents state-of-the-art overview on polymer/carbon-based quantum dot nanocomposite. Carbon-based quantum dot (graphene quantum dot, carbon nanodot, and polymer dot) are ∼10nm. Carbon-based quantum dot own exciting features such as tunable optoelectronic and photoluminescence properties, high stability, chemical inertness, low cytotoxicity, and biocompatibility owing to quantum confinement and edge effects. Main emphasis of article was to see the combined effect of polymer and carbon-based quantum dot in nanocomposite. Five major categories have been reviewed in this article including conjugated polymer/carbon-based quantum dot nanocomposite, epoxy/carbon-based quantum dot nanocomposite, polystyrene/carbon-based quantum dot nanocomposite, poly(dimethyl siloxane)/carbon-based quantum dot nanocomposite, and block copolymer/carbon-based quantum dot nanocomposite. The review also refers to cutting edge application areas of polymer/carbon-based quantum dot nanocomposite. Conducting polymer/carbon quantum dot nanocomposite has been integrated in energy storage devices, detectors, and electronic devices. These materials are also promising candidates for bulk heterojunction solar cells and light-emitting diodes. Another important use is the identification and removal of toxic metals. Functional materials have also been used for fluorescence imaging of live cells. Modification of carbon-based quantum dot and incorporation in appropriate polymer matrices can be adopted as powerful future tool enabling desired tailored applicability of nanocomposite in advance high performance technical applications.