The USM Chemistry Club works to develop new and interesting ways to educate students of all ages about a variety of chemical principles. Each year we work to incorporate new demonstrations that highlight a different principle. The University of Southern Maine Chemistry Club synthesized quantum dots as a means to demonstrate the various fluorescence capabilities of molecules, and the different energies associated with different wavelengths of light. Quantum dots are a type of nanoscale particle whose electronic energy levels are dependent on their individual size, quantum dots of various diameters emit photons of different energy levels due to quantum confinement effects. The unique properties of quantum dots have made them useful in applications such as optoelectronics, wavelength tunable lasers, and bioanalytical methods. Quantum dots can be used as a safe, interactive way for children to observe the effects of electronic excitation, and photon emission.

Synthesizing cadmium selenide quantum dots for an educational demonstration on fluorescence

245th National Meeting (2013)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.