Growth kinetics of CdSe quantum dots generated in polar polymers

Growth kinetics of CdSe nanocrystals generated inside three selected polymers (polyvinylpyrrolidone-PVP, polyethyleneglycol-PEG and polyvinylalcohol-PVA) are demonstrated to follow a self-catalytic path, with growth rates depending on the nature of the polymer, i.e. on the capability to activate the cadmium species present in the solution of a metal precursor. A two-step process drives the size evolution of nanocrystals and a critical diameter value can be identified at which the growth regime changes. The medium-term stability evaluation of nanocomposites indicates that, after an initial rearrangement, polymers keep stable the embedded CdSe nanocrystals. © 2012 The Royal Society of Chemistry.