Quantum dot–polymethacrylate composites for the analysis of NOx by fluorescence spectroscopy

A new type of hybrid materials composed by core–shell (CdSe/ZnS) quantum dots adsorbed on polymethacrylate surfaces has been synthesized and characterized, specially by means of time-resolved fluorimetry. The ability of such materials to sense NO and NOx has been tested, with promising results. Fluorescence quenching measurements afford limits of detection of ca. 0.1 ppm for NO and of ca. 1.0 ppm for NOx, which opens the way for the development of new materials with analytical applications.