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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
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Synthesis of Cd-free InP/ZnS Quantum Dots Suitable for Biomedical Applications
Published on: February 6, 2016
Synthesis of PbS/CdS/ZnS Core/Shell/Shell Quantum Dots for Multiplexed Shortwave Infrared Imaging
Amish Patel1,2, Thomas C Bewaale1, Ayushmaan Tripathi1
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|August 7, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a method to create high-quality lead sulfide/cadmium sulfide/zinc sulfide (PbS/CdS/ZnS) quantum dots (QDs). These QDs emit tunable light in the shortwave infrared range, ideal for advanced in vivo imaging.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Imaging
Background:
- Quantum dots (QDs) are crucial for advanced imaging applications.
- Shortwave infrared (SWIR) emitters offer unique advantages for deep-tissue penetration.
- Developing stable, bright SWIR QDs with tunable emission is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a systematic protocol for synthesizing PbS/CdS/ZnS core/shell/shell QDs.
- To achieve tunable emission in the SWIR range (1000-1700 nm).
- To enable multiplexed in vivo imaging applications.
Main Methods:
- Size-controlled synthesis of PbS cores via hot injection.
- CdS shell formation using cation exchange.
- ZnS outer shell deposition via a low-temperature single-source precursor.
- Post-synthetic surface treatment for quantum yield enhancement.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized three QD formulations with emission peaks at ~1150, 1250, and 1515 nm.
- Achieved QDs with excellent brightness and narrow emission linewidths.
- Demonstrated superior stability compared to conventional SWIR emitters.
Conclusions:
- The developed protocol yields high-quality PbS/CdS/ZnS QDs suitable for SWIR emission.
- These QDs are ideal for deep-tissue, multiplexed in vivo imaging.
- The synthesis method enhances QD stability and optical performance.
