CdS Quantum Dots Encapsulated in Chiral Nematic Mesoporous Silica: New Iridescent and Luminescent Materials

Abstract

Simultaneous integration of light emission and iridescence into a semiconducting photonic material is attractive for the design of new optical devices. Here, a straightforward, one‐pot approach for liquid crystal self‐assembly of semiconductor quantum dots into cellulose nanocrystal‐templated silica is developed. Through a careful balance of the intermolecular interactions between a lyotropic tetraalkoxysilane/cellulose nanocrystal dispersion and water‐soluble polyacrylic acid/mercaptopropionic acid‐stabilized CdS quantum dots, CdS/silica/nanocellulose composites that retain both chiral nematic order of the cellulose nanocrystals and emission of the quantum dots are successfully co‐assembled. Subsequent removal of the cellulose template and organic stabilizers in the composites by controlled calcination generates new freestanding iridescent, luminescent chiral nematic mesoporous silica‐encapsulated CdS films. The pores of these materials are accessible to analytes and, consequently, the CdS quantum dots undergo strong luminescence quenching when exposed to TNT solutions or vapor.