Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconducting nanoparticles that fluoresce at various wavelengths. After the initial synthesis of a QD, the QD is typically blue to yellow shifted. As the QD begins to increase in size the QD becomes more red-shifted and unstable. Most QD synthesis is cadmium based and toxic. The primary goal of this research is to synthesize QDs with zinc acetate that are non-toxic, blue-shifted, and that have stabilized growth patterns with surface modifiers. This will allow for potential use of QDs in biological applications. In this presentation, we will report UV/Visible and fluorescence spectroscopy data on the growth kinetics of these nanoparticles over a thirty-day time frame. Preliminary data on the use of higher concentrations of metal hydroxide (<i>i.e.,</i> LiOH and KOH) to zinc acetate solution, storage at cold temperature and in a dark environment, and utilizing surface modifiers revealed the production of small, blue-shifted, and stable QDs. Factors that contribute to the production and/or lack of production of small-sized, blue-shifted, and stable QDs will be discussed in our presentation. In addition, we will compare QD’s stability, size, and growth rate obtained with the use of polyethylenimine, dopamine, and glutathione modifiers to QDs synthesized without the use of any modifier. Finally, we envisage that the low levels of cytotoxicity of the synthesized surface modified QDs will be incorporated in a study with embryonic cells.<br/>

Synthesis, characterization, and growth kinetics of LiOH and KOH synthesized surface modified zinc oxide quantum dots

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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