Bright Nanocomposites based on Quantum Dot-Initiated Photocatalysis

Integrating quantum dots (QDs) into polymer matrix to form nanocomposites without compromising the QD photoluminescence (PL) is crucial to emerging QD light-emitting and solar energy conversion fields. However, the most widely-used bulk polymerization technique, where monomers serve as the QD solvent, usually leads to QD PL quenching caused by radical initiators. Here we demonstrate high-brightness nanocomposites with near-unity PL quantum yield (QY), through a novel QDs-catalyzed (-initiated) bulk polymerization without using any radical initiators. Different from previous reports where QDs were designed as photo-sensitizers/catalysts (always with cocatalysts) and hence non-emissive in catalytic conditions, our QDs combine high brightness with highly effective catalysis, a combination that was previously considered to be hardly possible. In our case, apart from emitting light (at a large probability), the photoexcited QDs act as 'overall reaction' catalysts by simultaneously employing photoexcited electrons and holes to produce active radicals without the need of any sacrificial agents. These active radicals, though with a small amount, are sufficient to initiate effective chain reaction-dominated bulk polymerization, eliminating the requirement of extra radical initiators. This study provides new insights for understanding and development of QDs for energy applications.