In this study, we demonstrate a facile and simple synthesis of quantum dot (QD)-polymer composites. Highly fluorescent semiconducting CdSe/ZnS quantum dots were embedded in different commercially available polymers using one easy step. QD-polymer composite nanoparticles were also synthesized using template-assisted synthesis. In particular, we self-assembled lamellar micelles inside nanoporous alumina membranes which were used for the synthesis of mesoporous silica hollow nanotubes and solid nanorods. We observed that the addition of excess free octadecylamine (ODA) in the QD-silica solution resulted in gelation. The gelation time was found to be dependent on free ODA concentration. Similarly, the emission of QD-polymer composites was also found to be dependent on free ODA concentration. Highly purified QDs provided polymer composites that have a much lower emission compared to unpurified nanocomposites. This was attributed to passivation of the QD surfaces by amine, which reduced the surface defects and non-radiative pathways for excited QDs. Finally, highly fluorescent QD-polymer patterns were demonstrated on glass substrates which retained their emission in both polar and non-polar solvents.

The traditional colloidal routes of fabrication of II-VI semiconductor quantum dots have been difficult to integrate with silicon technology. Here, we demonstrate that CdSe quantum dots and rods can be self-assembled and delivered in ultrahigh vacuum conditions on almost any substrate by means of buffer-layer-assisted growth (BLAG), where the buffer is thin solid Xe film. We determine the diffusivity of the particles on the buffer, and demonstrate the significance of the ionicity of the CdSe. Photoluminescence spectra are compared to the previous studies of colloidal CdSe structures. This study opens the door for the synthesis of tunable II-VI heterostructures.