Polymer-quantum dot-carbon nanotube composites formation under visible light irradiation

A facile method for preparation of polymer-CdSe quantum dot (QD)-carbon nanotube (CNT) composite under visible light irradiation is described. This photochemical method for such composite formation is based on a photoinduced hole transfer from the CdSe core to the ligand resulting in the formation of polymeric quantum dots on the surface of the CNT. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) methods were used to confirm the formation of thiophene based polymer-QD-CNT composites. The composites maintain the quantum confinement characteristics of the CdSe nanoparticle, retaining its broad absorption in the spectrum of the sun. The composites thus produced can, therefore, be potentially used as the absorbing material in photovoltaic cells.