Enhancing FRET Efficiency through Synergistic Influences of Surfactants and Quantum Dots on Zinc Quinolate
Sumit Singha1, Manideepa Paul2, Prokash Ghosh1
1Department of Chemistry, University of North Bengal, West Bengal 734013, India.
None:
Herein, we present a pioneering approach to enhancing Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) efficiency through the synergistic integration of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactants and ZnS quantum dots (QDs) within a zinc quinolate complex (ZQC)-dye (Rhodamine B: RhB) system. FRET efficiency is elevated from 13.1% to 49% with surfactants alone and further to an impressive 93.6% with the addition of QDs. This advancement highlights the vital role of chemical environment modifications in regulating energy transfer mechanisms. Employing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy alongside density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the study provides comprehensive insights into molecular interactions, electronic behavior, and structural transformations driving enhanced energy transfer. The findings set a benchmark for high-performance FRET systems, offering a robust platform for applications in bioimaging, biosensors, optoelectronics, and nanophotonics. By blending experimental innovation with theoretical validation, this work paves the way for transformative advancements in optical- and nanomaterial-based technologies.
