Controlling the nanoscale morphology of conducting polymer/nanoparticle hybrid films is a highly desired but challenging task. Here, we report that such functional hybrid films with unprecedented structural order can be formed through the self-assembly of conjugated block copolymers and CdSe quantum dots at the air-water interface. The one-step assembly of quantum dots and block copolymers composed of polythiophene and polyethylene glycol (P3HT--PEG) at the fluidic interface generated a highly ordered assembly structure of P3HT nanowires and one-dimensional quantum dot arrays. Structure analyses revealed a unique self-assembly behavior and size dependency, which are distinct from the conventional self-assembly of coil-type polymers on solid substrates. Interestingly, hydrophobic quantum dots reside at the interface between P3HT and PEG domains without disrupting the P3HT packing structure, which is advantageous for the optoelectronic properties. Furthermore, large particles bridge the P3HT nanowires at both ends, while small particles decorate each P3HT/PEG interfaces, thus forming tight p-n junctions for a broad size range of nanoparticles. The nanoparticle-incorporated hybrid films showed more than an order of magnitude higher photocurrent and light sensitivity compared to polymer-only films, consistent with the assembly structure with close contact between the organic and inorganic semiconductors.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acsami.9b08892DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

quantum dots
16
block copolymers
12
hybrid films
12
self-assembly conjugated
8
conjugated block
8
assembly structure
8
p3ht nanowires
8
quantum
5
binary self-assembly
4
copolymers quantum
4

Similar Publications

Tailored large-particle quantum dots with high color purity and excellent electroluminescent efficiency.

Sci Bull (Beijing)

January 2025

Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Macao Institute of Materials Science and Engineering (MIMSE), MUST-SUDA Joint Research Center for Advanced Functional Materials, Zhuhai MUST Science and Technology Research Institute, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao 999078, China; Institute of Organic Optoelectronics (IOO), Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute (JITRI), Suzhou 215200, China. Electronic address:

High-quality quantum dots (QDs) possess superior electroluminescent efficiencies and ultra-narrow emission linewidths are essential for realizing ultra-high definition QD light-emitting diodes (QLEDs). However, the synthesis of such QDs remains challenging. In this study, we present a facile high-temperature successive ion layer adsorption and reaction (HT-SILAR) strategy for the growth of precisely tailored ZnCdSe/ZnSe shells, and the consequent production of high-quality, large-particle, alloyed red CdZnSe/ZnCdSe/ZnSe/ZnS/CdZnS QDs.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The environmental impact of chemicals used in aquaculture, particularly nitrofurantoin, has raised global concern. Nitrofurantoin, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, is commonly used in aquaculture despite safety risks. Determination of nitrofurantoin in water samples of fish ponds is necessary to ensure the safety and quality of seafood.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Quantum dot-polymer composites have the advantages of high luminescent quantum yield (PLQY), narrow emission half-peak full width (FWHM), and tunable emission spectra, and have broad application prospects in display and lighting fields. Research on quantum dots embedded in polymer films and plates has made great progress in both synthesis technology and optical properties. However, due to the shortcomings of quantum dots, such as cadmium selenide (CdSe), indium phosphide (InP), lead halide perovskite (LHP), poor water, oxygen, and light stability, and incapacity for large-scale synthesis, their practical application is still restricted.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The use of biomass feedstocks for producing high-value-added chemicals is gaining significant attention in the academic community. In this study, near-infrared carbon dots (NIR-CDs) with antimicrobial and bioimaging functions were prepared from branches and leaves using a novel green synthesis approach. The spectral properties of the synthesized NIR-CDs were characterized by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Elevated dopamine (DA) levels in urine denote neuroblastoma, a pediatric cancer. Saccharide-derived carbon dots (CDs) were applied to assay DA detection in simulated urine (SU) while delineating the effects of graphene defect density on electrocatalytic activity. CDs were hydrothermally synthesized to vary graphene defect densities using sucrose, raffinose, and palatinose, depositing them onto glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!