Quenching dynamics in CdSe/ZnS core/shell quantum dots-gold nanoparticle conjugates in aqueous solution

Abstract

We investigated carrier dynamics of luminescence quenching in CdSe/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (QDs) in the absence and presence of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) in aqueous solution. We emphasized that the observed quenching phenomenon in the QDs-Au NP composites can be a result of the interplay of the Forster resonance energy transfer and surface plasmon enhancement process of Au NPs on QDs. Different QDs with emission wavelengths varying from 545 to 619 nm were used to investigate the quenching dynamics. The recovery dynamics of the quenching was also confirmed by the addition of sodium chloride in the QDs-Au NP composites. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3592884]