Optimization of the aqueous synthesis of Cu₂S quantum dots with different surface ligands

Surface functionalization of quantum dots (QDs) is one of the most important aspects of designing and preparing the desired QDs for intended optical and biomedical applications. In this paper, we synthesized aqueous-phase Cu2S quantum dots coating by three different stabilizers, i.e. mercaptoacetic acid, mercaptopropionic acid and glutathione (GSH). Different stabilizers can influence the coordination modes between Cu(+) on the surface of Cu2S and S(2-) of the ligand. The Cu2S QDs were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and Raman spectra. Then, we performed a systematic study to evaluate the colloidal stability and in vitro toxicity of the formulations of Cu2S QDs with different stabilizers. Our results show that Cu2S QDs modified with different stabilizers have distinct functional groups on their surface and these groups make Cu2S produce different vibrations according to Raman spectra. The Cu2S-GSH exhibit the best colloidal stability in all pH buffer solutions and the lowest toxicity compare to the other two stabilizers. These properties make the Cu2S-GSH quantum dots a candidate for bioapplications in the future.