We present a controlled assembly strategy for the formation of carbon nanotube-quantum dot nanohybrids, where the terminal ends of individual single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) are selectively functionalised with single quantum dots (QDs), via the formation of covalent bonds. The assembly, in environmentally friendly and biocompatible aqueous solution, was controlled towards the formation of monofunctionalized SWCNT-QD structures.<br/>We use DNA wrapped carbon nanotubes, where the DNA acts as a surfactant for the dispersion of the nanotubes in water. Moreover, the DNA’s helical wrapping on the sidewalls of the tubes leaves only the terminal ends of the SWCNTs available for direct functionalization. Atomic force microscopy has been used to image the nanostructures and allowed us to identify the nanodots exclusively at the terminal ends of the tubes. Photoluminescence studies in solution and on surfaces at the single nanohybrid level showed evidence of electronic coupling between the two nanostructures.<br/>Quenching of photoluminescence of the CNT-QD nanohybrids in solution has been observed which indicates an electronic coupling between the two nanostructures as previously observed in QD-SWCNT composites. The photoluminescence blinking dynamics of conjugated and un-conjugated individual quantum dots was investigated showing larger off-state probability densities for QDs attached to the tubes, suggesting an increased photoinduced charging of the nanocrystals.<br/>The strategy presented here provides a general approach for the covalent formation of heterostructure with single particle control which in turn is crucial for novel QD-based optoelectronic and light-energy conversion devices.

Carbon nanotube-quantum dot nanohybrids: Coupling with single particle control in aqueous solution

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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