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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2008  > June  >
In the Laboratory
Quantum Dots in a Polymer Composite: A Convenient Particle-in-a-Box Laboratory Experiment
Charles V. Rice and Guinevere A. Giffin
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019
Cover
June 2008
Vol. 85 No. 6
p. 842
Abstract
Semiconductor quantum dots are at the forefront of materials science chemistry with applications in biological imaging and photovoltaic technologies. We have developed a simple laboratory experiment to measure the quantum-dot size from fluorescence spectra. A major roadblock of quantum-dot based exercises is the particle synthesis and handling; the former requires dangerous chemicals while the later can lead to sample degradation. We overcome these drawbacks by using commercially available quantum dots. The samples are composed of CdSe–ZnS core–shell nanoparticles embedded in a polymer matrix. A fluorescence spectrophotometer is used to collect photoluminescence data and the subsequent calculations are straightforward. Student feedback indicates that these experiments provide a new understanding of quantum mechanics and the particle-in-a-box model. We are able to examine the role of spectroscopy in chemical investigations and a cause of spectroscopic line broadening.
Supplement
Student handouts; Instructor notes
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Contents
  JCE2008p0842W.pdf
 
JCE2008p0842W.zip
Folder JCE2008p0842W containing JCE2008p0842W_1.doc and JCE2008p0842W_2.doc (Microsoft Word)
More Information
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Citation
Rice, Charles V.; Giffin, Guinevere A. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 842.
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Keywords
Fluorescence Spectroscopy; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; Laboratory Instruction; Materials Science; Nanotechnology; Physical Chemistry; Quantum Chemistry; Semiconductors; Spectroscopy; Upper-Division Undergraduate; UV-Vis Spectroscopy
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
5/5/2008
5/7/2008
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