Stable quantum dots/polymer matrix and their versatile 3D printing frameworks

Abstract

Efficient utilization of quantum dots (QDs) in a bulk-scale matrix with good enough performance but small quantity is important in real-world industrial applications. Considering the traditional problems of QDs (such as self-absorption, drastic agglomeration, and oxidation), here we realize the stable dispersion of highly luminescent QDs in a polymer matrix and their versatile 3D printing framework superstructures. Taking the example of doped QDs and perovskite QDs, we disperse them in a polymer gel with optimal viscosity and uniform dispersion. Then, by the direct-ink-writing (DIW) 3D printing method, the QD polymer gel could be printed into bulk-scale 1D, 2D, and hierarchical superstructures. The intrinsic polymer characters could be effectively maintained. The photoluminescence of QDs in solid polymer superstructures is stable enough for 2 years without much loss in their performance. The flexibility, good luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) properties, and their designable PMMA and PDMS polymer superstructures confirmed their promising applications in optical devices, biological imaging, and novel information treatment.