Colloidal quantum dots have many applications in biological research, sensing technology, energy-saving device technologies, and high color quality devices; quantum dots are now ubiquitous in displays including HDTVs and computer monitors. Unfortunately, however, quantum dots are susceptible to photodegradation that reduces functionality over a long period of time. In displays, degradation is avoided by protective device architecture (such as polymer encapsulation), but an ideal cost-effective solution would involve development of air- and oxygen-tolerant single quantum dot structures.<br/>For this poster, we will detail time-resolved fluorescence studies of the degradation of quantum dots. Single quantum dot spectroscopy shows that thick-shell QDs display structure-dependent photostability; we will report our investigations into the mechanism responsible for this variation in photostability. Additionally, we have found that different quantum dot structures undergo distinct degradation processes. We will also compare single quantum dot results with ensemble measurements of quantum dot photodegradation to demonstrate the utility of performing degradation studies at the single particle level.

Photo-oxidative degradation of single giant quantum dots

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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