The use of luminescent colloquial quantum dots has increased drastically the past decade. Quantum dots are semiconductors characterized by the band gap of ~1.5-4 eV and are usually synthesized by groups II-VI. Quantum dots (QDs) have physical properties that make them attractive alternatives to organic dyes or biological fluorophores for optical detection and microscopy. Recent advances in the field have led to the establishment of robust methods for synthesizing QDs with good stability and water solubility in a one-pot method. However, subsequent functionalization and purification can increase the difficulty and decrease the yield of making QDs for biological applications. We have investigated the use of cysteine as a ligand for mediating the growth of cadmium telluride (CdTe) quantum dots in a one-pot method, with the eventual goal of using cysteine polymers of different lengths to control QD growth. Our preliminary results indicate that, contrary to expectation, increased concentrations of cysteine in the growth solution increases the growth rate of the QDs.<br/> <br/>

Quantum dot growth using cysteine polymers in a one pot method

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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