Luminescent CdSe/CdS core/shell nanocrystals in dendron boxes: superior chemical, photochemical and thermal stability

Recent Applications of Quantum Dots in Pharmaceutical Analysis

Nanotechnology has emerged as one of the most potential areas for pharmaceutical analysis. The need for nanomaterials in pharmaceutical analysis is comprehended in terms of economic challenges, health and safety concerns. Quantum dots (QDs)or colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals are new groups of fluorescent nanoparticles that bind nanotechnology to drug analysis. Because of their special physicochemical characteristics and small size, QDs are thought to be promising candidates for the electrical and luminescent probes development. They were originally developed as luminescent biological labels, but are now discovering new analytical chemistry applications, where their photo-luminescent properties are used in pharmaceutical, clinical analysis, food quality control and environmental monitoring. In this review, we discuss QDs regarding properties and advantages, advances in methods of synthesis and their recent applications in drug analysis in the recent last years.

Heterogeneous Dendrimer-Based Catalysts

The present review compiles the advances in the dendritic catalysis within the last two decades, in particular concerning heterogeneous dendrimer-based catalysts and their and application in various processes, such as hydrogenation, oxidation, cross-coupling reactions, etc. There are considered three main approaches to the synthesis of immobilized heterogeneous dendrimer-based catalysts: (1) impregnation/adsorption on silica or carbon carriers; (2) dendrimer covalent grafting to various supports (silica, polystyrene, carbon nanotubes, porous aromatic frameworks, etc.), which may be performed in a divergent (as a gradual dendron growth on the support) or convergent way (as a grafting of whole dendrimer to the support); and (3) dendrimer cross-linking, using transition metal ions (resulting in coordination polymer networks) or bifunctional organic linkers, whose size, polarity, and rigidity define the properties of the resulted material. Additionally, magnetically separable dendritic catalysts, which can be synthesized using the three above-mentioned approaches, are also considered. Dendritic catalysts, synthesized in such ways, can be stored as powders and be easily separated from the reaction medium by filtration/centrifugation as traditional heterogeneous catalysts, maintaining efficiency as for homogeneous dendritic catalysts.

Rapid and Sensitive Identification and Discrimination of Bound/Unbound Ligands on Colloidal Nanocrystals via Direct Analysis in Real-Time Mass Spectrometry

Direct analysis in real-time mass spectrometry (DART-MS) has been applied to the characterization of colloidal nanocrystal surface ligands. The nanocrystals (NCs) in colloidal suspension were purified and deposited onto a solid substrate, and the solvent was allowed to evaporate. Ligand desorption was thermally stimulated using a temperature ramp from 30 °C up to 530 °C, and the desorbed ligands were introduced into a DART-MS instrument where metastable He atoms provide energy for ionization and fragmentation through the reaction with ambient vapors including O₂ and H₂O. The method allows the identification of ligand species with various functional groups, even in complex, mixed-ligand samples. Bound and unbound molecules can be distinguished based on the desorption temperature. In ideal cases, the desorption profile for a given molecule can be analyzed according to methods adapted from thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS) to estimate desorption activation energy for NC-bound ligands. Results are presented and discussed for different nanocrystal and ligand types. The method is a promising complement to the range of existing tools for NC ligand analysis.

Advances and Challenges of Fluorescent Nanomaterials for Synthesis and Biomedical Applications

With the rapid development of nanotechnology, new types of fluorescent nanomaterials (FNMs) have been springing up in the past two decades. The nanometer scale endows FNMs with unique optical properties which play a critical role in their applications in bioimaging and fluorescence-dependent detections. However, since low selectivity as well as low photoluminescence efficiency of fluorescent nanomaterials hinders their applications in imaging and detection to some extent, scientists are still in search of synthesizing new FNMs with better properties. In this review, a variety of fluorescent nanoparticles are summarized including semiconductor quantum dots, carbon dots, carbon nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, graphene-based nanomaterials, noble metal nanoparticles, silica nanoparticles, phosphors and organic frameworks. We highlight the recent advances of the latest developments in the synthesis of FNMs and their applications in the biomedical field in recent years. Furthermore, the main theories, methods, and limitations of the synthesis and applications of FNMs have been reviewed and discussed. In addition, challenges in synthesis and biomedical applications are systematically summarized as well. The future directions and perspectives of FNMs in clinical applications are also presented.

Technology progress on quantum dot light-emitting diodes for next-generation displays

Quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QD-LEDs) are widely recognised as great alternatives to organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) due to their enhanced performances. This focus article surveys the current progress on the state-of-the-art QD-LED technology including material synthesis, device optimization and innovative fabrication processes. A discussion on the material synthesis of core nanocrystals, shell layers and surface-binding ligands is presented for high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) quantum dots (QDs) using heavy-metal free materials. The operational principles of several types of QD-LED device architectures are also covered, and the recent evolution of device engineering technologies is investigated. By exploring the fabrication process for pixel-patterning of QD-LEDs on an active-matrix backplane for full-colour display applications, we anticipate further improvement in device performance for the commercialisation of next-generation displays.

Air-stable and ultrasensitive solution-cast SWIR photodetectors utilizing modified core/shell colloidal quantum dots

InGaAs-based photodetectors have been generally used for detection in the short-wave infrared (SWIR) region. However, the epitaxial process used to grow these materials is expensive; therefore, InGaAs-based photodetectors are limited to space exploration and military applications. Many researchers have expended considerable efforts to address the problem of SWIR photodetector development using lead sulfide (PbS) quantum dots (QDs). Along with their cost-efficient solution processability and flexible substrate compatibility, PbS QDs are highly interesting for the quantum-size-effect tunability of their bandgaps, spectral sensitivities, and wide absorption ranges. However, the performance of PbS QD-based SWIR photodetectors is limited owing to inefficient carrier transfer and low photo and thermal stabilities. In this study, a simple method is proposed to overcome these problems by incorporating CdS in PbS QD shells to provide efficient carrier transfer and enhance the long-term stability of SWIR photodetectors against oxidation. The SWIR photodetectors fabricated using thick-shell PbS/CdS QDs exhibited a high on/off (light/dark) ratio of 11.25 and a high detectivity of 4.0 × 10¹² Jones, which represents a greater than 10 times improvement in these properties relative to those of PbS QDs. Moreover, the lifetimes of thick-shell PbS/CdS QD-based SWIR photodetectors were significantly improved owing to the self-passivation of QD surfaces.

A Lysosome-Targetable Fluorescence Probe Based on L-Cysteine-Polyamine-Morpholine-Modified Quantum Dots for Imaging in Living Cells

PURPOSE

Quantum dots (QDs) are used as fluorescent probes due to their high fluorescence intensity, longevity of fluorescence, strong light-resistant bleaching ability and high light stability. Therefore, we explore a more precise probe that can target an organelle.

METHODS

In the current study, a new class of fluorescence probes were developed using QDs capped with 4 different L-cysteine-polyamine-morpholine linked by mercapto groups. Ligands were characterised by Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Modified QDs were characterized by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), and fluorescence microscopy. And the biological activity of modified QDs was explored by using MTT assay with HeLa, SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cells. The fluorescence imaging of modified QDs was obtained by confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy (CLSM).

RESULTS

Synthesized QDs ranged between 4 to 5 nm and had strong optical emission properties. UV-Vis and fluorescence spectra demonstrated that the cysteine-polyamine-morpholine were successfully incorporated into QD nanoparticles. The MTT results demonstrated that modified QDs had lesser cytotoxicity when compared to unmodified QDs. In addition, modified QDs had strong fluorescence intensity in HeLa cells and targeted lysosomes of HeLa cells.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the modified QDs efficiently entered cells and could be used as a potential lysosome-targeting fluorescent probe.

Double-Shelled InP/ZnMnS/ZnS Quantum Dots for Light-Emitting Devices

Traditionally, ZnS or ZnSe is chosen as the shell material for InP quantum dots (QDs). However, for green or blue InP QDs, the ZnSe shell will form a type-II structure resulting in a redshift of the emission spectrum. Although the band gap of ZnS is wider, its lattice mismatch with InP is larger (∼7.7%), resulting in more defect states and lowered quantum yield (QY). To overcome the above problems, we introduced the intermediate ZnMnS layer in InP/ZnMnS/ZnS QDs. The wide band gap of the intermediate layer (3.7 eV) can confine the electrons and holes in the core completely, and the formation of the type-II structure is avoided. As a result, green InP-based QDs with QY up to 80% were obtained. By adjusting the halogen ratios of the ZnX₂ precursor, the minimum and maximum emission peaks are 470 and 620 nm, respectively, covering the whole visible range. Finally, after optimizing the coating shell process, the maximum external quantum efficiency of QD light-emitting diodes fabricated from this InP-based green light QDs can reach 2.7%.

Epitaxial growth and defect repair of heterostructured CuInSexS2-x/CdSeS/CdS quantum dots

Heterostructured quantum dots (hetero-QDs) have outstanding optical properties and chemical/photostability, which make them promising building blocks for use in various optoelectronic devices. Here, CuInSe_xS_2-x/CdSeS/CdS hetero-QDs were synthesized through a facile two-step method. Their particle size, three-dimensional (3D) shapes and the epitaxial relationship between the CuInSe_xS_2-x/CdSeS core and CdS shell were investigated by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Our investigation proves that the as-synthesized hetero-QDs have a regular tetrahedron 3D shape with four {111} crystal facets. The epitaxial relationship between the CuInSe_xS_2-x/CdSeS core and CdS shell is determined to be [110]_core//[110]_shell, {112}_core//{111}_shell. In situ HRTEM observations show that the screw dislocation inside the hetero-QDs can be efficiently repaired using e-beam irradiation. These results may help in designing hetero-QDs with high-quality interfaces and identifying the strategies for synthesizing defect-free hetero-QDs.

Tetrathiafulvalene: effective organic anodic materials for WO3-based electrochromic devices

Finding a new, effective anodic species is a challenge for achieving simpler low-voltage tungsten trioxide (WO₃)-based electrochromic devices (ECDs). In this work, we utilize tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and demonstrate its reversible redox behaviors as an electrolyte-soluble anodic species. The concentration of TTF in the electrolyte is varied to optimize device performance. When the TTF concentration is low (0.01 M), a smaller maximum transmittance difference (ΔT_max ∼ 34.2%) and coloration efficiency (η ∼ 59.6 cm² C⁻¹) are measured. Although a better performance of ΔT_max ∼ 93.7% and η ∼ 74.5 cm² C⁻¹ is achieved at 0.05 M TTF, the colored state could no longer return to its original form. We conclude that 0.03 M of TTF is the appropriate concentration for high-performance WO₃ ECDs with high optical contrast and reversible EC behaviors. The irreversible EC transition at high concentrations of TTF is attributed to the agglomeration of TTF molecules.

Tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) is employed as an effective electrolyte-soluble anodic species for achieving low-voltage tungsten trioxide (WO₃)-based electrochromic devices (ECDs).

Altering the edge chemistry of bicelles with peptoids

Cell function is tied to the interactions that occur within and across the cell membrane. Therefore, understanding membrane-affiliated interactions is important to many biomedical applications. Advancing the body of knowledge about these interactions will lead to discoveries in biomarker detection and therapeutic targets for disease detection and treatment. Model membrane systems are an effective way to study membrane proteins for such discoveries, allowing for stable protein structure and maintaining native activity. Bicelles, disc-shaped lipid bilayers created by combining long- and short-chain phospholipids, are the model membrane system of focus in this study. Bicelles are accessible from both sides and have a wide size range, which makes them attractive for studying membrane interactions without affecting function. In this work, bicelles were functionalized with peptoids to alter the edge chemistry. Peptoids are suitable for this application because of the large diversity of available side chain chemistries that can be easily incorporated in a sequence-specific manner. The peptoid sequence consists of three functional regions to promote insertion into the edge of bicelles. The insertion sequence at the C-terminus contains two alkyl chains and two hydrophobic, chiral aromatic groups that anchor into the bicelle edge. The facially amphipathic helix contains chiral aromatic groups on one side that interact with the lipid tails and positively charged groups on the other side, which interact with the lipid head groups. Thiol groups are included at the N-terminus to allow for visualization of peptoid location in the bicelle. Bicelle morphology and size were assessed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Peptoid location in the bicelle was determined by attachment of gold nanoparticles, which confirmed preferential incorporation of the peptoid into the bicelle edge with 82% specificity. Additionally, the peptoid-functionalized bicelles are of similar size and morphology to non-functionalized bicelles. Results from this study show that peptoid-functionalized bicelles are a promising model membrane system with potential applications in biosensors or bioseparations.

Quantum dot-polymer conjugates for stable luminescent displays

The broad absorption of light in the UV-Vis-NIR region and the size-based tunable photoluminescence color of semiconductor quantum dots make these tiny crystals one of the most attractive antennae in solar cells and phosphors in electrooptical devices. One of the primary requirements for such real-world applications of quantum dots is their stable and uniform distribution in optically transparent matrices. In this work, we prepare transparent thin films of polymer-quantum dot conjugates, where CdSe/ZnS quantum dots are uniformly distributed at high densities in a chitosan-polystyrene copolymer (CS-g-PS) matrix. Here, quantum dots in an aqueous solution are conjugated to the copolymer by a phase transfer reaction. With the stable conjugation of quantum dots to the copolymer, we prevent undesired phase separation between the two and aggregation of quantum dots. Furthermore, the conjugate allows us to prepare transparent thin films in which quantum dots are uniformly distributed at high densities. The CS-g-PS copolymer helps us in not only preserving the photoluminescence properties of quantum dots in the film but also rendering excellent photostability to quantum dots at the ensemble and single particle levels, making the conjugate a promising material for photoluminescence-based devices.

Dendrimer ligands-capped CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals with delayed halide exchange and record stability against both moisture and water

CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) suffer from poor stability because of their high sensitivity to environmental moisture and water. To solve this problem, previous works mainly focus on embedding perovskite NCs into water-resistant matrix to form large composites (size of microns or larger). As an alternative solution without serious changing of NC size, enhancing the stability of perovskite NCs themselves by ligand engineering is rarely reported. In this work, we used hyperbranched polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers with two different generations (G0 and G4) to synthesize CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ perovskite NCs with high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yields (QY) above 70% and a new record stability. A novel dendrimers generation-dependent stability of perovskite NCs was observed. The water-resistance time is 18 h (27 h) for perovskite NCs capped by G0 (G4) generation of PAMAM, which is 7 times (11 times) longer than that of traditional oleic acid-capped NCs. Similar PAMAM generation-related stability is also observed in moisture-resistance tests. The stability time against moisture is 500 h (800 h) for G0 (G4) generation of PAMAM-capped perovskite NCs, which is a new record stability time against moisture for CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ perovskite NCs. In addition, our results also indicate that PAMAM ligands outside perovskite NCs can dramatically slow down the speed of halide exchange. Even for the mixture of perovskite NCs with two different halide composition, the original luminescence properties of PAMAM-capped perovskite NCs can retain after mixing. In view of slow halide exchange speed, excellent water and moisture stability, PAMAM dendrimers-capped perovskite NCs and their mixture are available as color conversion single layer in fabrication of light-emitting diodes (LED).

Synthesis of water-soluble and bio-taggable CdSe@ZnS quantum dots

Many synthesized semiconductor QDs materials are formed using trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) but it requires high temperature, is very expensive and is also hydrophobic. Our study deals with selective syntheses of CdSe and core–shell CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) in aqueous solution by a simple heating and refluxing method. It is more hydrophilic, needs less temperature, is economically viable and is eco-friendly. Bio-ligands, such as thioacetamide, itaconic acid and glutathione, were used as stabilizers for the biosynthesis of QDs. A simplified aqueous route was used to improve the quality of the colloidal nanocrystals. As a result, highly monodisperse, photoluminescent and biocompatible nanoparticles were obtained. The synthesized QDs were characterized by XRD, FTIR, confocal microscopy, ultraviolet (UV) absorption and photoluminescence (PL). The size of synthesized QDs was observed as 5.74 nm and the core–shell shape was confirmed by using XRD and confocal microscopy respectively. The QD nanoparticles showed antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria. The QDs could be applied for biological labelling, fluorescence bio-sensing and bio-imaging etc.

Mystristic capped CdSe QDs with schematic diagram and formation mechanism of bio-taggable CdSe@ZnS QDs.

Thioacetamide-derived nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon nanoparticles used for label-free detection of copper(ii) ions and bioimaging applications

Thioacetamide-derived nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon nanoparticles as photoluminescent probes for the efficient detection of Cu²⁺ ions.

Photo-induced interaction of thioglycolic acid (TGA)-capped CdTe quantum dots with cyanine dyes

The photo-induced interaction of three different sizes of thioglycolic acid (TGA)-capped CdTe quantum dots (CdTe QDs) with two monomethine cyanine dyes belonging to the thiazole orange (TO) family has been studied. Positively charged cyanines interact with QDs surface which is negatively charged due to capping agent carboxylate ions. The energy transfer parameters including Stern-Volmer constant, Ksv, number of binding sites, n, quenching sphere radius, r, the critical energy transfer distance, R0, and energy transfer efficiencies, E have been calculated. The effect of structure and the number of aggregating molecules have been studied as a function of CdTe QDs particle size. Combining organic and inorganic semiconductors leads to increase of the effective absorption cross section of the QDs which can be utilized in novel nanoscale designs for light-emitting, photovoltaic and sensor applications. A synthesized triplet emission of the studied dyes was observed using CdTe QDs as donors and this is expected to play a potential role in molecular oxygen sensitization and in photodynamic therapy (PDT) applications.

Surface-confined fluorescence enhancement of Au nanoclusters anchoring to a two-dimensional ultrathin nanosheet toward bioimaging

Gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) as ultrasmall fluorescent nanomaterials possess discrete electronic energy and unique physicochemical properties, but suffer from relatively low quantum yield (QY) which severely affects their application in displays and imaging. To solve this conundrum and obtain highly-efficient fluorescent emission, 2D exfoliated layered double hydroxide (ELDH) nanosheets were employed to localize Au NCs with a density as high as 5.44 × 10(13) cm(-2), by virtue of the surface confinement effect of ELDH. Both experimental studies and computational simulations testify that the excited electrons of Au NCs are strongly confined by MgAl-ELDH nanosheets, which results in a largely promoted QY as well as prolonged fluorescence lifetime (both ∼7 times enhancement). In addition, the as-fabricated Au NC/ELDH hybrid material exhibits excellent imaging properties with good stability and biocompatibility in the intracellular environment. Therefore, this work provides a facile strategy to achieve highly luminescent Au NCs via surface-confined emission enhancement imposed by ultrathin inorganic nanosheets, which can be potentially used in bio-imaging and cell labelling.

Intraband Luminescence from HgSe/CdS Core/Shell Quantum Dots

HgSe/CdS core/shell CQD are synthesized, and the changes in the optical absorption and luminescence are investigated. While HgSe quantum dots are naturally n-doped after synthesis, both as colloidal solutions and as films, the HgSe/CdS core/shell dots in solution lose the n-doping, as seen from the optical absorption in solution. However, n-doping is regained in films, and the intraband luminescence of the films of HgSe/CdS is greater than that of the cores. The shell also vastly improves the stability of the quantum dots films against sintering at 200 °C. After annealing at that temperature, the HgSe/CdS films retain a narrow intraband emission and sustain a higher laser power leading to brighter emission at 5 μm.

Metal-based quantum dots: synthesis, surface modification, transport and fate in aquatic environments and toxicity to microorganisms

The intense interest in metal-based QDs is diluted by the fact that they cause risks to aquatic environments.

Inverted Quantum-Dot Light Emitting Diode Using Solution Processed p-Type WOx Doped PEDOT:PSS and Li Doped ZnO Charge Generation Layer

Quantum dots (QDs) are a promising material for emissive display with low-cost manufacturing and excellent color purity. In this study, we report colloidal quantum-dot light emitting diodes (QLEDs) with an inverted architecture with a solution processed charge generation layer (CGL) of p-type polymer (tungsten oxide doped poly(ethylenedioxythiophene)/polystyrenesulfonate,

PEDOT

PSS:WOx) and n-type metal oxide (lithium doped zinc oxide, LZO). The effective charge generation in solution processed p-n junction was confirmed by capacitance-voltage (C-V) and current density-electric field characteristics. It is also demonstrated that the performances of CGL based QLEDs are very similar when various substrates with different work functions are used.

Wide gamut white light emitting diodes using quantum dot-silicone film protected by an atomic layer deposited TiO2 barrier

Wide gamut light emitting diodes using quantum dot-silicone film protected by atomic layer deposited TiO2 film were demonstrated. The core/shell QDs with multi-emission peaks were synthesised by a one-pot approach, in which the emission wavelength and colour composition were in situ adjusted during the synthetic process.

Optical and cytotoxicity properties of water soluble type II CdTe/CdSe nanoparticles synthesised via a green method

We herein report the optical and cytotoxicity properties of highly luminescent water soluble mercaptopropanoic acid (MPA) capped CdTe/CdSe core shell nanoparticles (NPs). The synthesis of the CdTe/CdSe NPs was carried out via a simple, one pot and economical route, involving the use of greener materials under ambient environment in the absence of an inert atmosphere. The temporal evolution of the size and optical properties of the nanomaterials was investigated by varying the reaction time and stability of the as-synthesised material at pH 12. The as-synthesised nanomaterials were characterised using UV-vis absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The nanoparticles obtained were of high quality with high absorption and emission features. Addition of Se precursor to produce CdSe layer on the CdTe NPs core surface resulted in significant red shirt of both the absorption and emission maxima. The stability study showed that the emission maximum peak positions and FWHM remain the same with increase in emission intensity for all the NPs during the aging period. The cytotoxicity assay showed very high cell viability for the CdTe/CdSe NPs produced at 7 h compared with those produced at 30 mins as the concentration increased from 0.1 to 60 ug/ml. The lower cytotoxicity at the higher reaction time was attributed to the higher stability of the material and hence lower release of Cd2+.

In situ nanofabrication of hybrid PEG-dendritic-inorganic nanoparticles and preliminary evaluation of their biocompatibility

An in situ template fabrication of inorganic nanoparticles using carboxylated PEG-dendritic block copolymers of the GATG family is described as a function of the dendritic block generation, the metal (Au, CdSe) and metal molar ratio. The biocompatibility of the generated nanoparticles analysed in terms of their aggregation in physiological media, cytotoxicity and uptake by macrophages relates to the PEG density of the surface of the hybrids.

Dendrimer–nanoparticle conjugates in nanomedicine

Nanomedicine can take advantage of the recent developments in nanobiotechnology research areas for the creation of platforms with superior drug carrier capabilities, selective responsiveness to the environment, unique contrast enhancement profiles and improved accumulation at the disease site. Colloidal inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) have been attracting considerable interest in biomedicine, from drug and gene delivery to imaging, sensing and diagnostics. It is essential to modify the NPs surface to have enhanced biocompatibility and reach multifunctional systems for the in vitro and in vivo applications, especially in delivering drugs locally and recognizing overexpressed biomolecules. This paper describes the rational design for dendrimer–nanoparticle conjugates elaboration and reviews their state-of-the-art uses as efficient nanomedicine tools.

Facilely controlling the Förster energy transfer efficiency of dendron encapsulated conjugated organic molecular wire–CdSe quantum dot nanostructures

On Den-OPE–CdSe nanostructures, as the size of the dendrimer increases, the energy transfer efficiency from Den-OPEs to CdSe QDs enhances.

All solution processed low turn-on voltage near infrared LEDs based on core-shell PbS-CdS quantum dots with inverted device structure

Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are extraordinarily appealing for the development of light emitting devices (LEDs) due to tunable and pure color emission, brightness and solution processability. This last advantage of the QD-LEDs is even more evident in the field of infrared emission where the devices currently used are prepared by high cost epitaxial techniques. Here we show the fabrication of low cost NIR QD-LEDs based on high quantum yield core-shell PbS-CdS QDs and a novel inverted device structure. Devices are produced using SnO2:F (FTO) as the conductive transparent contact, nanostructured TiO2 as the electron transport layer (ETL) and poly(3-hexylthiophene) P3HT as the hole transport layer (HTL). Despite the roughness of this ETL, the obtained external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) are similar to previously reported values, obtained with regular configuration and more expensive ITO substrates. A turn-on voltage as low as the QD band gap (1.47 eV) is achieved for a large area (1.54 cm(2)) and relatively stable QD-LEDs.

Solution-processed, barrier-confined, and 1D nanostructure supported quasi-quantum well with large photoluminescence enhancement

Planar substrate supported semiconductor quantum well (QW) structures are not amenable to manipulation in miniature devices, while free-standing QW nanostructures, e.g., ultrathin nanosheets and nanoribbons, suffer from mechanical and environmental instability. Therefore, it is tempting to fashion high-quality QW structures on anisotropic and mechanically robust supporting nanostructures such as nanowires and nanoplates. Herein, we report a solution quasi-heteroepitaxial route for growing a barrier-confined quasi-QW structure (ZnSe/CdSe/ZnSe) on the supporting arms of ZnO nanotetrapods, which have a 1D nanowire structure, through the combination of ion exchange and successive deposition assembly. This resulted in highly crystalline and highly oriented quasi-QWs along the whole axial direction of the arms of the nanotetrapod because a transition buffer layer (Zn(x)Cd(1-x)Se) was formed and in turn reduced the lattice mismatch and surface defects. Significantly, such a barrier-confined QW emits excitonic light ∼17 times stronger than the heterojunction (HJ)-type structure (ZnSe/CdSe, HJ) at the single-particle level. Time-resolved photoluminescence from ensemble QWs exhibits a lifetime of 10 ns, contrasting sharply with ∼300 ps for the control HJ sample. Single-particle PL and Raman spectra suggest that the barrier layer of QW has completely removed the surface trap states on the HJ and restored or upgraded the photoelectric properties of the semiconductor layer. Therefore, this deliberate heteroepitaxial growth protocol on the supporting nanotetrapod has realized a several micrometer long QW structure with high mechanical robustness and high photoelectric quality. We envision that such QWs integrated on 1D nanostructures will largely improve the performance of solar cells and bioprobes, among others.

Characterization of the interaction of a mono-6-thio-β-cyclodextrin-capped CdTe quantum dots-methylene blue/methylene green system with herring sperm DNA using a spectroscopic approach

Novel, water-soluble CdTe quantum dots (QDs) capped with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and ~ 4.0 nm in diameter were synthesized in aqueous solution, and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A fluorescence-sensing system based on the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) of (mono-6-thio-β-CD)-CdTe QDs was then designed to measure the interaction of phenothiazine dyes [methylene blue (MB) and methylene green (MG)] with herring sperm DNA (hsDNA). This fluorescence-sensing system was based on a fluorescence "OFF-ON" mode. First, MB/MG adsorbed on the surface of (mono-6-thio-β-CD)-CdTe QDs effectively quenches the fluorescence of (mono-6-thio-β-CD)-CdTe QDs through PET. Then, addition of hsDNA restores the fluorescence intensity of (mono-6-thio-β-CD)-CdTe QDs, because hsDNA can bind with MB/MG and remove it from the as-prepared (mono-6-thio-β-CD)-CdTe QDs. In addition, detailed reaction mechanisms of the (mono-6-thio-β-CD)-CdTe QDs-MB/MG-hsDNA solution system were studied using optical methods, by comparison with the TGA-CdTe QDs-MB/MG-hsDNA solution system.

Ligand dissociation mediated charge transfer observed at colloidal W18O49 nanoparticle interfaces

Understanding charge transfer dynamics through the ligand shell of colloidal nanoparticles has been an important pursuit in solar energy conversion. While charge transport through ligand shells of nanoparticle films has been studied intensely in static dry and electrochemical systems, its influence on charge transfer kinetics in dispersed colloidal systems has received relatively less attention. This work reports the oxidation of amine passivated tungsten oxide nanoparticles by an organically soluble tris-(1,10-phenanthroline) iron(III) derivative. By following the rate of this oxidation optically via the production of the ferroin derivative under various reaction conditions and particle derivatizations, we are able to show that the fluxional ligand shells on dispersed, colloidal nanoparticles provide a separate and more facile pathway for charge transfer, in which the rate-limiting step for charge transfer is the ligand dissociation. Since such ligand shells are frequently required for nanoparticle stability, this observation has significant implications for colloidal nanoparticle photocatalysis.

Development of biocompatible and proton-resistant quantum dots assembled on gelatin nanospheres

In this study, biocompatible and proton-resistant CdSe quantum dots (QDs) assembled on gelatin nanospheres (GNs) have been synthesized by combining the two-step desolvation method with the layer-by-layer assembly technique. The core-shell fluorescent gelatin nanosphere consists of a gelatin core and a four-layer shell of hydrophilic CdSe QDs assembled through polyelectrolytes (PE). The morphology, microstructures, and photostability of the hybrid spheres were further investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fluorospectrometery, and confocal fluorescent microscopy (CFM), respectively. The average diameter of the hybrid QDs-gelatin nanospheres (QDs-GNs) is estimated at 484 ± 40 nm. Our results indicate that the 20 ± 5 nm of the shell is attributed to the four-layer of CdSe QDs assembled through the PE. QD-GNs show a strong photoluminescence with the maximum emission (λ(em)) at 613 nm at the excitation wavelength of 470 nm. The core-shell QDs-GNs are able to resist quenching in acidic solution (pH < 4). Furthermore, core-shell QDs-GNs show a longer lifetime in a broad range of pH values, from 9 to 1. The calculated average lifetime (τ(ave)) of QDs-GNs is about 889 ± 23 ps, which is 3-fold longer than that of MUA-QDs (263 ± 10 ps) at pH 7.0. The enhanced lifetime of QDs-GNs is almost 9 times of that of CdSe QDs when pH value is 1. Meanwhile, the cell viability study shows that no significant toxic effect is imposed on the NIH/3T3 mouse fibroblast cell line when the concentration of QD-GNs is below 5 mg/mL. It is expected that this new biocompatible fluorescent nanospheres could be an excellent alternative fluorescent imaging agent for cell labeling, especially in acidic conditions.

Metabolic tumor profiling with pH, oxygen, and glucose chemosensors on a quantum dot scaffold

Acidity, hypoxia, and glucose levels characterize the tumor microenvironment rendering pH, pO2, and pGlucose, respectively, important indicators of tumor health. To this end, understanding how these parameters change can be a powerful tool for the development of novel and effective therapeutics. We have designed optical chemosensors that feature a quantum dot and an analyte-responsive dye. These noninvasive chemosensors permit pH, oxygen, and glucose to be monitored dynamically within the tumor microenvironment by using multiphoton imaging.

Folate–PEG functionalized silica CdTe quantum dots as fluorescent probes for cancer cell imaging

CdTe@SiO₂–NH–CO–PEG−folate nanoparticles were successfully prepared and demonstrated tumor cell specific targeting through folate receptors via folate mediated endocytosis.

Polymer-coated quantum dots

Quantum Dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanocrystals with distinct photophysical properties finding applications in biology, biosensing, and optoelectronics. Polymeric coatings of QDs are used primarily to provide long-term colloidal stability to QDs dispersed in solutions and also as a source of additional functional groups used in further chemical derivatization of the nanoparticles. We review the coating methods, including multidentate and amphiphilic polymeric coatings, and grafting-to and grafting-from approaches. We highlight the most commonly used polymers and discuss how their chemical structure influences the coating properties.

Stability of core/shell quantum dots--role of pH and small organic ligands

The improvement of knowledge about the toxicity and even processability, and stability of quantum dots (QD) requires the understanding of the relationship between the QD binding head group, surface structure, and interligand interaction. The scanned stripping chronopotentiometry and absence of gradients and Nernstian equilibrium stripping techniques were used to determine the concentration of Cd dissolved from a polyacrylate-stabilized CdTe/CdS QD. The effects of various concentrations of small organic ligands such as citric acid, glycine, and histidine and the roles of pH (4.5-8.5) and exposure time (0-48 h) were evaluated. The highest QD dissolution was obtained at the more acidic pH in absence of the ligands (52%) a result of the CdS shell solubility. At pH 8.5 the largest PAA ability to complex the dissolved Cd leads to a further QD solubility until the equilibrium is reached (24% of dissolved Cd vs. 4% at pH 6.0). The citric acid presence resulted in greater QD dissolution, whereas glycine, an amino acid, acts against QD dissolution. Surprisingly, the presence of histidine, an amino acid with an imidazole functional group, leads to the formation of much strong Cd complexes over time, which may be non-labile, inducing variations in the local environment of the QD surface.

Balancing Electron Transfer and Surface Passivation in Gradient CdSe/ZnS Core-Shell Quantum Dots Attached to ZnO

Core-shell (CS) quantum dots (QDs) are promising light absorbers for solar cell applications mainly because of their enhanced photostability compared with bare QDs. Moreover, the superb photostability can be combined with a low number of defects by using CSQDs with a gradient composition change from the core to the shell. Here, we study electron injection from the gradient CSQDs to ZnO nanoparticles. We observe the typical exponential injection rate dependence on the shell thickness (β = 0.51 Å(-1)) and discuss it in light of previously published results on step-like CSQDs. Despite the rapid drop in injection rates with shell thickness, we find that there exists an optimum thickness of the shell layer at ∼1 nm, which combines high injection efficiency (>90%) with a superior passivation of QDs.

Surface engineering of inorganic nanoparticles for imaging and therapy

Many kinds of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) including semiconductor, metal, metal oxide, and lanthanide-doped NPs have been developed for imaging and therapy applications. Their unique optical, magnetic, and electronic properties can be tailored by controlling the composition, size, shape, and structure. Interaction of such NPs with cells and/or in vivo compartments is critically determined by the surface properties, and sophisticated control over the NP surface is essential to control their fate in biological environments. We review NP surface coating strategies using the categories of small surface ligand, polymer, and lipid. Use of small ligand molecules has the advantage of maintaining the minimal hydrodynamic (HD) size. Polymers can be advantageous in NP anchoring by combining multiple affinity groups. Encapsulation of NPs in polymers, lipids or surfactants can preserve the as-synthesized NPs. NP surface properties and reaction conditions should be carefully considered to obtain a bioconjugate that maintains the physicochemical properties of NP and functionalities of the conjugated biomolecules. We highlight how the surface properties of NPs impact their interactions with cells and in vivo compartments, especially focused on the important surface design parameters such as HD size, surface charge, and targeting. Typically, maximal cellular uptake can take place in the intermediate NP size range of 40-60nm. Clearance of NPs from blood circulation is largely dependent on the degree of uptake by reticuloendothelial system when they are larger than 10nm. When the HD size is below 10nm, NPs show broad distribution over many organs. Reduction of HD size below the limit of renal barrier can achieve fast clearance of NPs. For maximal tumor accumulation, NPs should have long blood circulation time and should be large enough to prevent rapid penetration. NPs are also desired to rapidly clear out from the body after the mission before they cause toxic side effects. However, efficient clearance from the body to avoid side effects may result in the reduction in residence time required for accumulation in target tissues. Smart design of NP surface coating that can meet the conflicting demands can open a new avenue of NP applications. Surface charge and hydrophobicity need to be carefully considered for NP surface design. Positively charged NPs more adsorb on cell membranes and consequently show higher level of internalizations when compared with negatively charged or neutral NPs. NPs encounter a large variety of biomolecules in vivo, where non-specific adsorptions can potentially alter the physicochemical properties of the NPs. For optimal performance, NPs are suggested to have neutral surface charge at physiological conditions, small HD size, and minimal non-specific adsorption levels. Zwitterionic NP surface coating by small surface ligands can be a promising approach. Toxicity is one of most critical issues, where proper control of the NP surface can significantly reduce the toxicities.

Molecular Chemistry to the Fore: New Insights into the Fascinating World of Photoactive Colloidal Semiconductor Nanocrystals

Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals possess unique properties that are unmatched by other chromophores such as organic dyes or transition-metal complexes. These versatile building blocks have generated much scientific interest and found applications in bioimaging, tracking, lighting, lasing, photovoltaics, photocatalysis, thermoelectrics, and spintronics. Despite these advances, important challenges remain, notably how to produce semiconductor nanostructures with predetermined architecture, how to produce metastable semiconductor nanostructures that are hard to isolate by conventional syntheses, and how to control the degree of surface loading or valence per nanocrystal. Molecular chemists are very familiar with these issues and can use their expertise to help solve these challenges. In this Perspective, we present our group's recent work on bottom-up molecular control of nanoscale composition and morphology, low-temperature photochemical routes to semiconductor heterostructures and metastable phases, solar-to-chemical energy conversion with semiconductor-based photocatalysts, and controlled surface modification of colloidal semiconductors that bypasses ligand exchange.

PEG-stabilized core-shell nanoparticles: impact of linear versus dendritic polymer shell architecture on colloidal properties and the reversibility of temperature-induced aggregation

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have been widely used experimentally and also clinically tested in diverse areas of biology and medicine. Applications include magnetic resonance imaging, cell sorting, drug delivery, and hyperthermia. Physicochemical surface properties are particularly relevant in the context of achieving high colloidal nanoparticle (NP) stability and preventing agglomeration (particularly challenging in biological fluids), increasing blood circulation time, and possibly targeting specific cells or tissues through the presentation of bioligands. Traditionally, NP surfaces are sterically stabilized with hydrophilic polymeric matrices, such as dextran or linear poly(ethylene glycol) brushes. While dendrimers have found applications as drug carriers, dispersants with dendritic ("dendrons") or hyperbranched structures have been comparatively neglected despite their unique properties, such as a precisely defined molecular structure and the ability to present biofunctionalities at high density at the NP periphery. This work covers the synthesis of SPIONs and their stabilization based on poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) chemistry and compares the physicochemical properties of NPs stabilized with linear and dendritic macromolecules of comparable molecular weight. The results highlight the impact of the polymeric interface architecture on solubility, colloidal stability, hydrodynamic radius, and thermoresponsive behavior. Dendron-stabilized NPs were found to provide excellent colloidal stability, despite a smaller hydrodynamic radius and lower degree of soft shell hydration compared to linear PEG analogues. Moreover, for the same grafting density and molecular weight of the stabilizers, OEG dendron-stabilized NPs show a reversible temperature-induced aggregation behavior, in contrast to the essentially irreversible aggregation and sedimentation observed for the linear PEG analogues. This new class of dendritically stabilized NPs is believed to have a potential for future biomedical and other applications, in which stability, resistance to (or reversible) aggregation, ultrasmall size (for crossing biological barriers or inclusion in responsive artificial membranes), and/or high corona density of (bio)active ligands are key.