Quantum dots have been heavily studied because of their wide range of optical properties, including wide absorption profiles and sharp emission peaks. Direct internal doping of lanthanide atoms into the nanocrystal matrices of quantum dots has been accomplished and shown an increased PL quantum yield of 1% to 6% for Eu3+ doped In2O3 nanocrystals. These results are promising however the incorporation of Ln3+is very challenging, and the lack of natural abundancy of lanthanide atoms necessitates a more conservative method of Ln3+ doping. An alternative method of doping is incorporation of Ln3+ through native ligands. Our group has shown native ligand doping on the surface of semiconductors allows to maintain the nanocrystal initial particle size and optical properties. Through the synthesis of a native ligand that simply binds through a chemically active group to the surface of inorganic particles and also contains a pocket for Ln3+ atoms, the problems associated with direct doping could be circumnavigated and the rare earth lanthanide atoms used more efficiently.

Surface doping of colloidal nanocrystal quantum dots with transition metal complexes

251st National Meeting (2016)

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