Enhancing Photoluminescence Intensity of Quantum Dots in Polymer Matrix by Using Hollow Silica Particles

Enhancing photoluminescence intensity of quantum dots in polymer matrix by using hollow silica particles

Hyun Chang Kim¹, Taegyeong Kang¹, Cheolsang Yoon¹, Hyun-Guk Hong², Young-Joo Kim², and Kangtaek Lee¹

¹Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University

²Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University

ABSTRACT

Achieving high photoluminescence intensity of quantum dots in polymer matrix is of interest in display field. In this study, we improve dispersion of quantum dots in polymer matrix, and subsequently enhance the photoluminescence intensity by encapsulating a homogeneous quantum dot layer at a radial equidistance on silica nanoparticle. Previous studies on encapsulation of quantum dots on silica nanoparticle were conducted in aqueous phase, which exhibited substantially lower photoluminescence intensity and stability than in organic phase. A new method of encapsulating quantum dots from organic phase onto silica particles is introduced, and to further increase the photoluminescence intensity, hollow silica nanoparticles are used. Hollow silica particles have higher transparency than silica particles, and should increase the photoluminescence intensity of the encapsulating quantum dots more significantly due to their unique near field optics and light trapping properties.

Keywords: Materials, Nanotechnology, Hollow Silica, Polymer Film, and Quantum dot