ERIC Number: EJ827397
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008-Jun
Pages: 3
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0021-9584
EISSN: N/A
Quantum Dots in a Polymer Composite: A Convenient Particle-in-a-Box Laboratory Experiment
Rice, Charles V.; Giffin, Guinevere A.
Journal of Chemical Education, v85 n6 p842-844 Jun 2008
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. (Contains 1 table and 2 figures.)
Descriptors: Scientific Concepts, Chemistry, Quantum Mechanics, Laboratory Experiments, Science Experiments, Science Instruction, Science Laboratories, Measurement Techniques, Light, Spectroscopy, Computation, College Science
Division of Chemical Education of the American Chemical Society. Subscription Department, P.O. Box 1267, Bellmawr, NJ 08099-1267. Tel: 800-691-9846; Tel: 856-931-5825; Fax: 856-931-4115; e-mail: jchemed@egpp.com; Web site: http://www.jce.divched.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A