Deposition of CdSe Nanocrystals in Highly Porous SiO Matrices-In Situ Growth vs. Infiltration Methods.

Embedding quantum dots into porous matrices is a very beneficial approach for generating hybrid nanostructures with unique properties. In this contribution we explore strategies to dope nanoporous SiO thin films made by atomic layer deposition and selective wet chemical etching with precise control over pore size with CdSe quantum dots. Two distinct strategies were employed for quantum dot deposition: in situ growth of CdSe nanocrystals within the porous matrix via successive ionic layer adsorption reaction, and infiltration of pre-synthesized quantum dots.

Covalent Functionalization of CdSe Quantum Dot Films with Molecular [FeFe] Hydrogenase Mimics for Light-Driven Hydrogen Evolution.

CdSe quantum dots (QDs) combined with [FeFe] hydrogenase mimics as molecular catalytic reaction centers based on earth-abundant elements have demonstrated promising activity for photocatalytic hydrogen generation. Direct linking of the [FeFe] hydrogenase mimics to the QD surface is expected to establish a close contact between the [FeFe] hydrogenase mimics and the light-harvesting QDs, supporting the transfer and accumulation of several electrons needed to drive hydrogen evolution. In this work, we report on the functionalization of QDs immobilized in a thin-film architecture on a substrate with [FeFe] hydrogenase mimics by covalent linking via carboxylate groups as the anchoring functionality.