Quantum dots as sensitizers

Mirtchev, P. Henderson, E.J. Soheilnia, N. Yip, C.M. Ozin, G.A., Solution phase synthesis of carbon quantum dots as sensitizers for nanocrystalline Ti02 solar cells.). Mat. Chem. 2012, 22 1265-1269. 

Hildebrandt N, Charbonniere LJ, Lohmannsroben HG (2007) Time-resolved analysis of a highly sensitive forster resonance energy transfer immunoassay using terbium complexes as donors and quantum dots as acceptors. J Biomed Biotechnol 2007 79169... 

In addition, they demonstrate the utility of peptides to link quantum dots and transmembrane proteins and the opportunity to use the quantum dots as integrin sensitive biotags. 

Semiconductor nanoparticles having size below the Bohr Exciton size for the materials (QDs) have been viewed as the potential materials for solar cells both hybrid and sensitized one in which these are used as light harvesting molecules and/or sensitizers. Quantum dot (QD)-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs) have shown promising developments for the next generation of solar cells [238-243] as an alternate of dye sensitized solar cells (DSCs) [244]. 

Figure 14.7. Left Solution-processed quantum dot structure of InP nanoparticles (black dots) in a Ti02 nanoparticle array (open circles). The QDs could sensitize an optical response similar to the dye in a Gratzel cell. Right A schematic of very small QDs (balls) bonded to a controlling surfactant that is bonded to a surface specific element, such as a TCO surface.

Moreover, the use of MIP microparticles with quantum dots (QDs) as signal transducers for the detection of nitroaromatic explosives has been very recently presented [71]. LOD for aqueous solutions was 30.1 pM and 40.7 pM for DNT and TNT, respectively. Although the LODs of the presented system are 100 times lower than those for other already developed TNT sensitive systems, this example presents a new interesting approach in the MIPs technology. If the colloidal stability and size distribution of the microparticles were improved, this example would present a reasonable approach to MIP chemosensor preparation. 

Recently, hopes have been raised for the use of CNTs as superior biosensor materials. Successful fabrication of various analytical nanotube devices, especially those modified with biomolecules, has made this a possibility. These prototype devices, sometimes prepared as ordered arrays or single-nanotube transistors, have shown efficient electrical communications and promising sensitivities required for such applications as antigen recognition,38 enzyme-catalyzed reactions39 and DNA hybridizations.40 Publications considering a quantum dot bahaviour of CNTs show their promise for biorecognition devices with optical indication.41... 

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