Polymer composite films and nanofibers doped with core-shell quantum dots

Abstract

Processing and characterization of polymer nanocomposites based on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix with embedded core-shell CdSe/ZnS quantum dots were investigated. Nanocomposites were obtained via solution casting and electrospinning. FESEM analysis revealed that the processing with electrospinning enables better dispersion of quantum dots. Time-resolved laser induced fluorescence measurements confirmed uniform size of QDs in fibers with the emission at only one wavelength. Oxidation effects in quantum dots were removed with the use of PMMA as a host, and the core remained active, which was confirmed with FTIR analysis and time-resolved laser induced fluorescence measurements.