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Cheong IT, Yang Szepesvari L, Ni C, Butler C, O'Connor KM, Hooper R, Meldrum A, Veinot JGC. Not all silicon quantum dots are equal: photostability of silicon quantum dots with and without a thick amorphous shell. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:592-603. [PMID: 38058198 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr04478e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Luminescent colloidal silicon quantum dots (SiQDs) are sustainable alternatives to metal-based QDs for various optical applications. While the materials are reliant on their photoluminescence efficiency, the relationship between the structure and photostability of SiQDs is yet to be well studied. An amorphous silicon (a-Si) shell was recently discovered in SiQDs prepared by thermally-processed silicon oxides. As a-Si is known as a source of defects upon UV irradiation, the disordered shell could potentially have an adverse effect on the optical properties of nanoparticles. Herein, the photostability of ∼5 nm diameter SiQDs with an amorphous shell was compared with that of over-etched SiQDs of equivalent dimensions that bore an a-Si shell of negligible thickness. An UV-induced degradation study was conducted by subjecting toluene solutions of SiQDs to 365 nm light-emitting diodes (LEDs) under an inert atmosphere for predetermined times up to 72 hours. The structure, composition, and optical responses of the exposed SiQDs were evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Teng Cheong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada.
| | | | - Chuyi Ni
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada.
| | - Cole Butler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada.
| | - Kevin M O'Connor
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada.
| | - Riley Hooper
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada.
| | - Alkiviathes Meldrum
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Jonathan G C Veinot
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada.
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2
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Tsai HY, Robidillo CJT, Matharu GK, O'Connor K, Cheong IT, Ni C, Veinot JGC, Algar WR. Spectrotemporal characterization of photoluminescent silicon nanocrystals and their energy transfer to dyes. NANOSCALE 2023. [PMID: 37449921 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr02461j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Silicon nanocrystals (SiNCs) are a promising material for applications in bioanalysis and imaging. Compared to other types of semiconductor nanocrystals, the development and characterization of energy transfer (ET) configurations with SiNCs has been far more limited, resulting in an equally limited understanding of this process and its SiNC-specific nuances. Here, we present a systematic and detailed study of ET between SiNCs and dyes. A combination of spectroelectrophoresis and time-gated and time-resolved photoluminescence measurements were used to characterize the photophysical properties of ensembles of SiNCs and gain insight into how these properties varied as a function of nanocrystal size. ET between SiNC donors and a series of non-fluorescent Black Hole Quencher (BHQ) dyes and fluorescent sulfo-Cyanine 5.5 dye acceptors was evaluated in terms of spectral properties, wavelength-resolved efficiencies, trends with spectral overlap integral, and differences between two methods of BHQ association with the SiNCs. The overall results were consistent with a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism where the polydispersity of the SiNCs had a significant impact on the observed ET: the choice of wavelength and timing parameters were important, and ensemble measurements represented an average of heterogeneous ET behaviors. Prospective advantages and disadvantages of SiNCs as ET donors are discussed. This study serves as a foundation for the continued and optimized development of ET configurations with SiNCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Yun Tsai
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z1.
| | - Christopher Jay T Robidillo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2G2
- Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Manila, P. Faura Street, Ermita, Manila 1000, Philippines
| | - Gunwant K Matharu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2G2
| | - Kevin O'Connor
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2G2
| | - I Teng Cheong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2G2
| | - Chuyi Ni
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2G2
| | - Jonathan G C Veinot
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2G2
| | - W Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z1.
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Milliken S, Cui K, Klein BA, Cheong IT, Yu H, Michaelis VK, Veinot JGC. Tailoring B-doped silicon nanocrystal surface chemistry via phosphorus pentachloride - mediated surface alkoxylation. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:18281-18292. [PMID: 34714905 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr05255a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Doped silicon nanocrystals (SiNCs) are promising materials that could find use in a wide variety of applications. Realizing methods to tailor the surface chemistry of these particles offers greater tunability of the material properties as well as broader solvent compatibility. Herein, we report organic-soluble B-doped SiNCs prepared via a thermal processing method followed by phosphorus pentachloride etching induced functionalization with alkoxy ligands of varied chain lengths. This approach provides a scalable route to solution processable B-doped SiNCs and establishes a potential avenue for the functionalization of other doped SiNCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Milliken
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada.
| | - Kai Cui
- Nanotechnology Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Edmonton, T6G 1H9, AB, Canada
| | - Brittney A Klein
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada.
| | - I Teng Cheong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada.
| | - Haoyang Yu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada.
| | - Vladimir K Michaelis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada.
| | - Jonathan G C Veinot
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada.
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Algar WR, Massey M, Rees K, Higgins R, Krause KD, Darwish GH, Peveler WJ, Xiao Z, Tsai HY, Gupta R, Lix K, Tran MV, Kim H. Photoluminescent Nanoparticles for Chemical and Biological Analysis and Imaging. Chem Rev 2021; 121:9243-9358. [PMID: 34282906 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Research related to the development and application of luminescent nanoparticles (LNPs) for chemical and biological analysis and imaging is flourishing. Novel materials and new applications continue to be reported after two decades of research. This review provides a comprehensive and heuristic overview of this field. It is targeted to both newcomers and experts who are interested in a critical assessment of LNP materials, their properties, strengths and weaknesses, and prospective applications. Numerous LNP materials are cataloged by fundamental descriptions of their chemical identities and physical morphology, quantitative photoluminescence (PL) properties, PL mechanisms, and surface chemistry. These materials include various semiconductor quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, graphene derivatives, carbon dots, nanodiamonds, luminescent metal nanoclusters, lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles and downshifting nanoparticles, triplet-triplet annihilation nanoparticles, persistent-luminescence nanoparticles, conjugated polymer nanoparticles and semiconducting polymer dots, multi-nanoparticle assemblies, and doped and labeled nanoparticles, including but not limited to those based on polymers and silica. As an exercise in the critical assessment of LNP properties, these materials are ranked by several application-related functional criteria. Additional sections highlight recent examples of advances in chemical and biological analysis, point-of-care diagnostics, and cellular, tissue, and in vivo imaging and theranostics. These examples are drawn from the recent literature and organized by both LNP material and the particular properties that are leveraged to an advantage. Finally, a perspective on what comes next for the field is offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Melissa Massey
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Kelly Rees
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Rehan Higgins
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Katherine D Krause
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Ghinwa H Darwish
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - William J Peveler
- School of Chemistry, Joseph Black Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K
| | - Zhujun Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Hsin-Yun Tsai
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Rupsa Gupta
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Kelsi Lix
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Michael V Tran
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Hyungki Kim
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
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Robidillo CJT, Veinot JGC. Functional Bio-inorganic Hybrids from Silicon Quantum Dots and Biological Molecules. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:52251-52270. [PMID: 33155802 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c14199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanoparticles that exhibit photoluminescent properties useful for applications in the field of diagnostics and medicine. Successful implementation of these QDs for bio-imaging and bio/chemical sensing typically involves conjugation to biologically active molecules for recognition and signal generation. Unfortunately, traditional and widely studied QDs are based upon heavy metals and other toxic elements (e.g., Cd- and Pb-based QDs), which precludes their safe use in actual biological systems. Silicon quantum dots (SiQDs) offer the same advantages as these heavy-metal-based QDs with the added benefits of nontoxicity and abundance. The preparation of functional bio-inorganic hybrids from SiQDs and biomolecules has lagged significantly compared to their traditional toxic counterparts because of the challenges associated with the synthesis of water-soluble SiQDs and their relative instability in aqueous environments. Advances in SiQD synthesis and surface functionalization, however, have made possible the preparation of functional bio-inorganic hybrids from SiQDs and biological molecules through different bioconjugation reactions. In this contribution, we review the various bioconjugate reactions by which SiQDs have been linked to biomolecules and implemented as platforms for bio-imaging and bio/chemical sensing. We also highlight the challenges that need to be addressed and overcome for these materials to reach their full potential. Lastly, we give prospective applications where this unique class of nontoxic and biocompatible materials can be of great utility in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Jay T Robidillo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
- Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Manila, Ermita, Manila 1000, Philippines
| | - Jonathan G C Veinot
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
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König D, Tilley RD, Smith SC. Design guidelines for transition metals as interstitial emitters in silicon nanocrystals to tune photoluminescence properties: zinc as biocompatible example. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:19340-19349. [PMID: 32940305 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr05156j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Silicon nanocrystals (Si NCs) are attractive candidates for biomarkers in medical imaging. Building on recent work [McVey et al., J. Chem. Phys. Lett., 2015, 6/9, 1573; McVey et al., Nanoscale, 2018, 15600], we focus on interstitial (i-) doping of Si NCs by transition metals (TMs), and investigate the optoelectronic structure with Zn as example. Carrying out extensive ground and excited state calculations using density functional theory (DFT), we provide insight into the interdependencies of parameters which define photoluminescence (PL) properties as per TM element, their position, and their density within Si NCs of realistic size. For i-Zn in Si NCs, we predict a very high radiation efficiency with a wavelength located well above the range of auto-luminescence originating from human tissue and blood. We derive general guidelines for i-TM doping of Si NCs to arrive at a desired emission wavelength with maximum radiation efficiency. Moving on from this general description, we reveal the concept of using the plasmonic resonance of i-TM dopants in the microwave (μW) spectrum to trigger selective thermal apoptosis of tagged cells in vivo after cell marking, paving the way towards a theragnostics tool with minimum side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk König
- Integrated Materials Design Lab (IMDL), The Australian National University, ACT 2601, Australia. and School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Richard D Tilley
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Sean C Smith
- Integrated Materials Design Lab (IMDL), The Australian National University, ACT 2601, Australia. and Department of Applied Mathematics, Research School of Physics and Engineering, The Australian National University, ACT 2601, Australia
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Robidillo CJT, Wandelt S, Dalangin R, Zhang L, Yu H, Meldrum A, Campbell RE, Veinot JGC. Ratiometric Detection of Nerve Agents by Coupling Complementary Properties of Silicon-Based Quantum Dots and Green Fluorescent Protein. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:33478-33488. [PMID: 31414591 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b10996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Ratiometric photoluminescent detection of the toxicologically potent organophosphate ester nerve agents paraoxon (PX) and parathion (PT) using the complementary optical and chemical properties of the long Stokes shift green fluorescent protein variant, mAmetrine1.2 (mAm), and red-emitting silicon-based quantum dots (SiQDs) is reported. PX and PT selectively quench SiQD photoluminescence (PL) through a dynamic quenching mechanism, thereby, facilitating the development of a ratiometric sensor platform that shows micromolar limits of detection for PX and PT and that is unaffected by the presence of common inorganic and organic interferents. As a part of the present study, we also demonstrate that the paper-based sensors derived from mAm and SiQDs detect PX and PT at concentrations as low as 5 μM using a readily available commercial color analysis smartphone "app". The ratiometric sensor reported herein can potentially be used for the convenient and rapid on-site detection and quantification of PX and PT in real-world samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Jay T Robidillo
- Department of Chemistry , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta T6G 2G2 , Canada
- Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics , University of the Philippines Manila , P. Faura Street , Ermita, Manila 1000 , Philippines
| | - Sophia Wandelt
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy , Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München , Munich 81377 , Germany
| | - Rochelin Dalangin
- Department of Chemistry , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta T6G 2G2 , Canada
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Department of Physics , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta T6G 2E1 , Canada
| | - Haoyang Yu
- Department of Chemistry , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta T6G 2G2 , Canada
| | - Alkiviathes Meldrum
- Department of Physics , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta T6G 2E1 , Canada
| | - Robert E Campbell
- Department of Chemistry , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta T6G 2G2 , Canada
- Department of Chemistry , The University of Tokyo , Tokyo 113-0033 , Japan
| | - Jonathan G C Veinot
- Department of Chemistry , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta T6G 2G2 , Canada
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Nitrogen-terminated silicon nanoparticles obtained via chemical etching and passivation are specific fluorescent probes for creatinine. Mikrochim Acta 2019; 186:387. [PMID: 31144038 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-019-3494-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
A method is described here to prepare water-dispersible nitrogen-functionalized silicon nanoparticles (N-SiNPs). It consists of two steps, viz. etching of the oxidized shell of SiNPs and nitrogen-passivation of the exposed silicon. The resulting N-SiNPs have an average diameter of 2.6±0.7 nm and show blue fluorescence (with excitation/emission peaks at 340/420 nm). The fluorescence quantum yield is 23% and the decay time is in the nanosecond regime. Compared to etching methods using a plasma or hydrofluoric acid, the process described here (etching and passivation) is mild, continuous, fast, and air-compatible. The N-SiNPs modified with chlorotetracycline are shown to be a viable fluorescent probe for creatinine. Fluorescence drops in the 0 to 20 μM creatinine concentration range, and the limit of detection is 0.14 μM.
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Robidillo CJT, Aghajamali M, Faramus A, Sinelnikov R, Veinot JGC. Interfacing enzymes with silicon nanocrystals through the thiol-ene reaction. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:18706-18719. [PMID: 30270384 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr05368e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study reports the preparation of functional bioinorganic hybrids, through application of the thiol-ene reaction, that exhibit catalytic activity and photoluminescent properties from enzymes and freestanding silicon nanocrystals. Thermal hydrosilylation of 1,7-octadiene and alkene-terminated poly(ethylene oxide)methyl ether with hydride-terminated silicon nanocrystals afforded nanocrystals functionalized with alkene residues and poly(ethylene oxide) moieties. These silicon nanocrystals were conjugated with representative enzymes through the photochemical thiol-ene reaction to afford bioinorganic hybrids that are dispersible and photostable in buffer, and that exhibit photoluminescence (λmax = 630 nm) and catalytic activity. They were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering analysis (DLS), absorption spectroscopy, steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, and pertinent enzyme activity assays. The general derivatization approach presented for interfacing enzymes with biocompatible silicon nanocrystals has far reaching implications for many applications ranging from sensors to therapeutic agents. The bioinorganic hybrids presented herein have potential applications in the chemical detection of nitrophenyl esters and urea. They can also be employed in enzyme-based theranostics as they combine long-lived silicon nanocrystal photoluminescence with substrate-specific enzymatic activity.
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McVey BFP, König D, Cheng X, O'Mara PB, Seal P, Tan X, Tahini HA, Smith SC, Gooding JJ, Tilley RD. Synthesis, optical properties and theoretical modelling of discrete emitting states in doped silicon nanocrystals for bioimaging. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:15600-15607. [PMID: 30090899 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr05071f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The creation of multiple emission pathways in quantum dots (QDs) is an exciting prospect with fundamental interest and optoelectronic potential. For the first time, we report multiple emission pathways in semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) where the number of emission pathways desired is controlled by the number of dopant atoms per quantum dot. The origin of additional emission pathways is explained by interactions between dopant states and NC energy levels. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of undoped 2.3 nm silicon (Si NCs) and the same NCs doped with 2 interstitial Cu atoms show good agreement to experiment. Such calculations provide valuable data to explain the changes in optical transitions due to the Cu dopant in terms of transition energies, quantum yield and dopant position as a function of dopants per NC. Changes in the optical properties of Si NCs induced by dopant concentration include extended excitation range and enhanced absorption coefficients, emission redshifts of up to 60 nm, and a two-fold increase in quantum yields up to 22%. The optical properties of doped NCs lead to significant bioimaging improvements illustrated by in vitro cell imaging, including redshifted excitation wavelengths away from natural autofluorescence and enhanced fluorescent signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- B F P McVey
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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