Water soluble quantum dot nanoclusters: energy migration in artifical materials

Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2006 Nov 21;8(43):5079-85. doi: 10.1039/b607124d. Epub 2006 Aug 1.

Abstract

Energy migration in self-assembled, water soluble, quantum dot (QD) nanoclusters is reported. These spherical nanoclusters are composed of CdSe QDs bound together by pepsin, a digestive enzyme found in mammals. A structural model for the clusters is suggested, based on scanning transmission electron microscopy, as well as dynamic light scattering and small angle X-ray scattering. Cluster sizes range from 100 to 400 nm in diameter and show a close-packed interior structure. Optical characterization of the absorption and emission spectra of the clusters is reported, finding photoluminescence quantum yields of up to approximately 60% in water for clusters made from core-shell CdSe-ZnS QDs. Clusters prepared from two different size populations of CdSe QD samples (3 and 4 nm in diameter) demonstrate energy migration and trapping. Resonance energy transfer (RET), from small to large dots within the QD-pepsin cluster, is observed by monitoring the quenching of the small donor dot fluorescence along with enhancement of the large acceptor dot fluorescence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absorption
  • Cadmium / chemistry
  • Chemistry, Physical / methods*
  • Energy Transfer
  • Light
  • Materials Testing
  • Models, Chemical
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Pepsin A / chemistry
  • Quantum Dots*
  • Scattering, Radiation
  • Selenium / chemistry
  • Spectrophotometry

Substances

  • Cadmium
  • Pepsin A
  • Selenium