Synthesis of New Organic/Inorganic Heterostructures from CdSe Quantum Dots and Tetracyanoquinodimethane Derivatives

Tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) and anthraquinone derivatives were synthesized to coordinate the surface of CdSe quantum dots (QDs). These electroactive surfactants are specifically designed to promote the interactions of organic semiconductor quantum dots with a polymer matrix. Starting from colloidal CdSe nanocrystals covered with a layer of TOPO, a process of ligand exchange is worked out in order to obtain new nanocrystal-surfactant heterostructures. We demonstrate that the fluorescence of the nanocrystals is completely quenched upon the formation of the heterostructure CdSe/surfactant indicating an efficient carrier transfer from the QDs to the surfactant.