Preparation of quantum dots-montmorillonite nanocomposites with strong photoluminescence for light-emitting diodes

Abstract

CdTe quantum dots (QDs)/montmorillonite (MMT)-Na⁺ nanocomposites with tunable fluorescence colors and stable photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) are used as the color convertors in commercial light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for the first time. By controlling the size of the CdTe QDs, the fluorescence colors of the nanocomposites can cover the range from green to red. Because of the high reducibility of N₂H₄, the current CdTe QDs synthesized through the N₂H₄-promoted strategy possess improved PL stability compared with those through the conventional reflux growth method. Furthermore, a freeze-drying instead of a precipitation pathway is employed for the separation of the nanocomposites from solvent, which efficiently avoids the aggregation induced by centrifugation. Owing to the great photoluminescence (PL) properties of the CdTe QDs/MMT-Na⁺ nanocomposites, the as-fabricated LEDs exhibit promising potential.