AN EASY METHOD TO SYNTHESIZE CARBON-COATED QUANTUM DOTS

Abstract

This manuscript describes a general and simple method to carbon-coat quantum dots (QDs) using microwave-assisted technology. By coating QDs with carbohydrates, you extend their application for bioimaging (in vitro and in vivo) as the metal core is now shielded by a protective coating layer. XRD and TEM verified that nanoparticles were coated with a layer of carbon-based material (reduced sucrose). In addition, we demonstrated the versatility of this approach by coating other types of nanoparticles (i.e. gold). UV–Visible spectroscopic analysis presented a red shift in absorbance after carbon coating which further confirmed that the surface of these nanoparticles was modified. QDs emission wavelength was not altered but experienced an increase in intensity. The carbon-coated QDs and gold nanoparticles generated in this study measured 14 nm and 60 nm, respectively.