Dissociative CdSe/ZnS quantum dot-molecule complex for luminescent sensing of metal ions in aqueous solutions

The optical properties of dissociative luminescent sensors based on a complex consisting of highly luminescent hydrophobic core/shell CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) and 1-(2-pyridilazo)-2-naphtol (PAN) molecules in organic solutions and a polymer film are reported. It is demonstrated, using Ni2+ and Co2+ ions as an illustrative example, that the QD/PAN sensor may have applications in the quantitative luminescent sensing of metal ions in aqueous solutions. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3490218]