InP Quantum Dot-Organosilicon Nanocomposites

InP quantum dot (QD)-organosilicon nanocomposites were synthesized and their photoluminescence quenching was mainly investigated because of their applicability to white LEDs (light emitting diodes). The as-synthesized InP QDs are capped with myristic acid (MA), which are incompatible with typical silicone encapsulants. We have introduced a new ligand, 3-aminopropyldimethylsilane (APDMS), which enables embedding the QDs into vinyl-functionalized silicones through direct chemical bonding. The exchange of ligand from MA to APDMS does not significantly affect the UV absorbance of the InP QDs, but quenches the PL to about 10% of its original value with the relative increase in surface related emission intensities, which is explained by stronger coordination of the APDMS ligands to the surface indium atoms. InP QD-organosilicon nanocomposites were synthesized by connecting the QDs using a short cross-linker such as 1,4-divinyltetramethylsilylethane (DVMSE) by the hydrosilylation reaction. The formation and changes in the optical properties of the InP QD-organosilicon nanocomposite were monitored by ultraviolet visible (UV-vis) absorbance and steady state photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies. As the hydrosilylation reaction proceeds, the QD-organosilicon nanocomposite is formed and grows in size, causing an increase in the UV-vis absorbance due to the scattering effect. At the same time, the PL spectrum is red-shifted and, very interestingly, the PL is quenched gradually. Three PL quenching mechanisms are regarded as strong candidates for the PL quenching of the QD nanocomposites, namely the scattering effect, Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and cross-linker tension preventing the QD’s surface relaxation. KCI Citation Count: 10