Intermittent electron transfer activity from single CdSe/ZnS quantum dots

Electron transfer activity from excited single CdSe/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (QDs) to adsorbed Fluorescein 27 was studied by single QD fluorescence spectroscopy. In comparison with QDs, the QD-acceptor complexes showed a shorter average and broader distribution of CD emission lifetimes due to electron transfer to adsorbates. Large fluctuation of lifetimes in single QD/dye complexes was observed, indicating intermittent electron transfer activity from CDs.