The synthesis of CdSe quantum dots stabilized by polymers and polyelectrolyte capsules

Abstract

The formation of nanocomposites based on quantum dots and polymers is a way of combining the benefits of quantum dots, such as their fundamental novelty and biomedical perspectives, with technological capabilities of polymers. The aim of this work was to synthesize cadmium selenide (CdSe) quantum dots in the presence of polymers (polyethyleneimine and chitosan) in an aqueous solution and embed cadmium selenide/polymer nanoparticles into polyelectrolyte capsules. To characterize the polymer-stabilized cadmium selenide quantum dots, the authors used fluorescence spectroscopy and dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering methods. The morphology of cadmium selenide/polymer nanoparticles characterized by the method of transmission electronic microscopy. The incorporation of quantum dots into a polymer matrix can significantly reduce their toxicity and prolong the duration of their fluorescence signals. Cadmium selenide nanoparticles stabilized by chitosan were used to synthesize five-layered polyelectrolyte capsules.