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Track membranes with embedded semiconductor nanocrystals: structural and optical examinations.
A O Orlova1, Yu A Gromova, A V Savelyeva
1State University of Informational Technologies, Mechanics and Optics, 197101 St-Petersburg, Russia. James.Byrne@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk
Nanotechnology
|October 14, 2011
Summary
This study explored luminescent semiconductor nanocrystals embedded in poly(ethylene terephthalate) membranes. Researchers observed spatial separation of different-sized CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals within the membrane pores.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Optical Physics
Background:
- Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) ion track membranes offer tunable porosity for nanomaterial integration.
- Semiconductor nanocrystals, such as Cadmium Selenide/Zinc Sulfide (CdSe/ZnS), exhibit unique luminescent and quantum optical properties.
- Controlling nanocrystal distribution within porous materials is crucial for advanced optical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the optical properties of PET ion track membranes impregnated with CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals.
- To analyze the localization and spatial distribution of CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals of varying sizes within different pore diameters.
- To understand the interaction between nanocrystals and the membrane structure.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of PET ion track membranes with pore sizes of 1.5, 0.5, and 0.05 µm.
- Impregnation of membranes with colloidal solutions of CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals (2.5 nm and 5 nm diameters).
- Characterization of nanocrystal localization and distribution within the membrane pores.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated localization of quasi-isolated, weakly interacting CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals on the pore wall surface.
- Observed the presence of empty pores, indicating non-uniform impregnation.
- Revealed spatial separation of 2.5 nm and 5 nm CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals within 50 nm pores.
Conclusions:
- The impregnation method allows for controlled loading of CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals into PET membranes.
- Nanocrystal size influences their distribution and localization within the porous structure.
- Potential for size-selective manipulation of nanocrystals within nanoporous materials for optical applications.
