Improved Functionality of Copper Indium Disulfide Quantum Dots via -OH capped Ligand Exchange
Research Mentor(s)
David Rider
Description
Quantum dot (QD) nanoparticles in energy applications pose as an excellent alternative to nonrenewable sources due to their tunable bandgap and optical properties. Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) enhance the efficiency of photovoltaic devices (PVs) through the absorption and redirection of light by these semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots in a polymer matrix. Ligand exchange of CuInS2 quantum dots using 11-mercapto-1-unedecanol was conducted with the intention of improving quantum dot solubility and dispersion, which in turn would unlock future copolymer bonding opportunities in LSC matrices previously not possible due to quantum dot insolubility. By manipulating the surface chemistry of zinc-stearate shelled quantum dots, the non-polar, aliphatic thiol ligands can be replaced with -OH capped ligands, improving functionality. This improved hydrophilic functionality and thus, altered QD solubility could unlock exciting new applications, extending beyond LSC devices to biological and medical use. The effectiveness of the ligand exchange procedure was characterized via 1H NMR, FT-IR, and TGA and compared to literature findings as well as to a native ligand quantum dot sample, revealing new solubility behavior in alcohols and potential for further quantum dot applications using -OH reactive compounds.
Document Type
Event
Start Date
May 2022
End Date
May 2022
Location
Carver Gym (Bellingham, Wash.)
Department
CSE - Chemistry
Genre/Form
student projects; posters
Type
Image
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Improved Functionality of Copper Indium Disulfide Quantum Dots via -OH capped Ligand Exchange
Carver Gym (Bellingham, Wash.)
Quantum dot (QD) nanoparticles in energy applications pose as an excellent alternative to nonrenewable sources due to their tunable bandgap and optical properties. Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) enhance the efficiency of photovoltaic devices (PVs) through the absorption and redirection of light by these semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots in a polymer matrix. Ligand exchange of CuInS2 quantum dots using 11-mercapto-1-unedecanol was conducted with the intention of improving quantum dot solubility and dispersion, which in turn would unlock future copolymer bonding opportunities in LSC matrices previously not possible due to quantum dot insolubility. By manipulating the surface chemistry of zinc-stearate shelled quantum dots, the non-polar, aliphatic thiol ligands can be replaced with -OH capped ligands, improving functionality. This improved hydrophilic functionality and thus, altered QD solubility could unlock exciting new applications, extending beyond LSC devices to biological and medical use. The effectiveness of the ligand exchange procedure was characterized via 1H NMR, FT-IR, and TGA and compared to literature findings as well as to a native ligand quantum dot sample, revealing new solubility behavior in alcohols and potential for further quantum dot applications using -OH reactive compounds.