Quantum‐Dot‐in‐Polymer Composites via Advanced Surface Engineering

Abstract

A straightforward approach to the fabrication of quantum‐dot (QD)‐in‐polymer solid composites with a tunable content of the nanoparticles is presented. This procedure includes the colloidal synthesis of QDs based on CuInS2 with their subsequent shelling with ZnS and ligand exchange with two molecules containing monomer units. These QDs, on the one hand, retain their bright photoluminescence after the exchange. On the other hand, their functionalized surface bears double‐bond‐containing groups that are copolymerizable with common monomers such as styrene and methyl methacrylate via free radical polymerization. The composites possess an enhanced photostability, in particular polystyrene‐based solids, being tested in a focus of a powerful irradiation. During this treatment, an interesting light‐soaking effect consisting in a significant enhancement of the photoluminescence is observed. Owing to their superior stability under the light irradiation, these composites are very promising for application in low‐cost solar‐energy devices such as photovoltaic windows, solar concentrators, spectral converters. Perspectives of the practical application of the composites are well supported by Monte Carlo simulations. The developed method of surface engineering can be applied to a wide range of other QDs to incorporate them into a polymer matrix and fabricate highly transparent and stable composites.

Design of cross-linked polyisobutylene matrix for efficient encapsulation of quantum dots

“…Dielectric polymers such as polydimethylsiloxane, polystyrene, and polyacrylates can be used as host materials for semiconductor nanocrystals due to their optical transparency in the visible region, high mechanical durability and extensive knowledge of their chemistry. 21,[23][24][25] One of the most important parameters determining the use of a polymer as a host material for QDs is its exibility. It should be noted that most popular polymer-based materials (polyacrylates and polystyrene derivatives) are rigid matrices, limiting their potential for applications.…”

“…27,28 The other approach involves the dispersion of nanoparticles in monomers or prepolymerized oligomers and in situ polymerization for obtaining nanocomposites with embedded QDs. 22,24,29 Alternatively, nanoparticles can be synthesized directly in a preformed polymer matrix by decomposing suitable precursors under thermal treatment 30 or light irradiation. 31,32 Formation of both the nanocrystals and polymer matrix can occur at the same time.…”

Metal-enhanced fluorescence in polymer composite films with Au@Ag@SiO2 nanoparticles and InP@ZnS quantum dots

“…8,16 To achieve a better dispersion, the surface of QDs has been modied with monomer-containing units for random polymerization with monomers. 17,18 Unlike the above issues, however, the problem associated with the large quantity of QDs required has not yet been addressed. In principle, the number of required QDs can be reduced by enhancing the uorescence efficiency (i.e., the number of photons emitted per number of photons absorbed).…”

Brightly Luminescent Cu-Zn-In-S/ZnS Core/Shell Quantum Dots in Salt Matrices

“…Since these copper chalcogenide-based nanoparticles are quite sensitive to environmental conditions, for example to the presence of oxygen which can lead to a gradual oxidation of their surface, in particular Cu + ions can be oxidized to Cu 2+ , the as synthesized NCs should be properly isolated from the environment aiming at long term applications. One of the ways to protect these NCs is to incorporate them into a stable polymer matrix, such as polymethacrylate or polystyrene [14,15]. These QDs-in-polymer composites hold great promise for applications in photovoltaic windows and solar concentrators [15][16][17].…”