Recognition-mediated assembly of quantum dot polymer conjugates with controlled morphology

Int J Mol Sci. 2011;12(9):6357-66. doi: 10.3390/ijms12096357. Epub 2011 Sep 23.

Abstract

We have demonstrated a polymer mediated "bricks and mortar" method for the self-assembly of quantum dots (QDs). This strategy allows QDs to self-assemble into structured aggregates using complementary three-point hydrogen bonding. The resulting nanocomposites have distinct morphologies and inter-particle distances based on the ratio between QDs and polymer. Time resolved photoluminescence measurements showed that the optical properties of the QDs were retained after self-assembly.

Keywords: hydrogen bonding; molecular recognition; nanocomposites; nanoparticles; quantum dots; self-assembly.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Luminescent Measurements / methods
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Models, Chemical
  • Molecular Structure
  • Nanocomposites / chemistry*
  • Nanocomposites / ultrastructure
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Optical Phenomena
  • Particle Size
  • Polymers / chemical synthesis
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Quantum Dots*
  • Scattering, Small Angle
  • X-Ray Diffraction

Substances

  • Polymers