Single-layer MoS
2
has been reported to exhibit strong
excitonic and trionic signatures in its photoluminescence (PL) spectra.
Here, we report that the emission spectra of MoS
2
QDs strongly
depend on the dielectric constant of the solvent and the relative
difference in the electronegativity between the solvent and QDs. Due
to the difference in electronegativity, electrons are either added
to the QD or withdrawn from it. Consequently, depending upon the dielectric
permittivity and the electronegativity of the surrounding medium,
the signature peaks of excitons and trions exhibit a significant change
in the PL spectra of MoS
2
QDs. Our findings are helpful
to understand the effect of the surrounding environment on the optical
properties of QDs and the importance of the selection of solvent since
MoS
2
QDs are potential candidates for valleytronics applications.