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https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/techni...ce/nanomaterials/quantum-dots.html#core-shellCore-Shell Quantum Dots
The luminescent properties of quantum dots arise from recombination of electron-hole pairs (exciton decay) through radiative pathways. However, the exciton decay can also occur through nonradiative methods, reducing the fluorescence quantum yield. One of the methods used to improve efficiency and brightness of semiconductor nanocrystals is growing shells of another higher band gap semiconducting material around them. These quantum dots with small regions of one material embedded in another with a wider band gap are known as core-shell quantum dots (CSQDs) or core-shell semiconducting nanocrystals (CSSNCs). For example, quantum dots with CdSe in the core and ZnS in the shell (Product Nos. 748056, 790192) available from Sigma-Aldrich Materials Science exhibit greater than 50% quantum yield. Coating quantum dots with shells improves quantum yield by passivizing nonradiative recombination sites and also makes them more robust to processing conditions for various applications. This method has been widely explored as a way to adjust the photophysical properties of quantum dots.8-10
Core shell quantum dots are nanoparticles consisting of a semiconductor core surrounded by a shell of another semiconductor material. They are typically several nanometers in size and have unique optical and electronic properties.
Fluorescence occurs when a material absorbs light at a certain wavelength and then re-emits light at a longer wavelength. In core shell quantum dots, the absorption of light causes electrons to move from the core to the shell, and when they return to the core, they emit light at a longer wavelength, resulting in fluorescence.
Core shell quantum dots have several advantages over traditional fluorescent dyes. They have a higher quantum yield, meaning they emit more light per absorbed photon, and they have a narrow emission spectrum, allowing for more precise detection. They are also more photostable, meaning they can be used for longer periods of time without degradation.
Core shell quantum dots are typically synthesized using a wet chemical method, where a precursor solution containing the core and shell materials is heated to form the nanoparticles. The size and properties of the quantum dots can be controlled by adjusting the reaction conditions, such as temperature and reactant concentrations.
Fluorescence from core shell quantum dots has a wide range of potential applications. They are commonly used as fluorescent probes for biological imaging, as they can be targeted to specific cells or tissues. They are also being investigated for use in solar cells, LED displays, and other optoelectronic devices.