Preparation of large transparent silica monoliths with embedded photoluminescent CdSe@ZnS core/shell quantum dots

The preparation of large free-standing transparent silica monoliths with embedded highly fluorescent CdSe @ ZnS quantum dots (QD), based on straightforward application of inorganic-organic hybrid approach in room temperature sol-gel synthesis was discussed. 3-mercaptopropyltri-methoxysilane (MPS) was employed as the capping agent. The result indicates that the QDs maintain the same average size and size distribution during the gelation and drying process. The apparent homogeneity in the color and PL intensity of the silica monoliths indicates that co-condensation was achieved between the MPS-capped QDs and TMOS precursor molecules.