Controlled Self-Assembly of Quantum Dots and Block Copolymers in a Microfluidic Device

The controlled self-assembly of polymer-stabilized quantum dots (QDs) into mesoscale aqueous spherical assemblies using microfluidics is described. In a flow-focusing configuration, self-assembly is initiated by the addition of water to a blended solution of polystyrene-coated QDs and amphiphilic po...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Langmuir 2008-02, Vol.24 (3), p.637-643
Main Authors: Schabas, Greg, Yusuf, Huda, Moffitt, Matthew G, Sinton, David
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chemistry
Colloidal state and disperse state
Exact sciences and technology
General and physical chemistry
Surface physical chemistry
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Summary:The controlled self-assembly of polymer-stabilized quantum dots (QDs) into mesoscale aqueous spherical assemblies using microfluidics is described. In a flow-focusing configuration, self-assembly is initiated by the addition of water to a blended solution of polystyrene-coated QDs and amphiphilic polystyrene-block-poly(acrylic acid) stabilizing chains and terminated in a downstream quench step. The on-chip evolution of assemblies is monitored through fluorescence microscopy, and particle size distributions are determined off-chip by transmission electron microscopy. On-chip size control of the assemblies is demonstrated via both the average water concentration in the channel and the flow rate.
ISSN:0743-7463
1520-5827
DOI:10.1021/la703297q