Controlling the Emission Properties of Quantum Rods via Multiscale 3D Ordered Organization

A specific organization of optically active nanoscale objects can greatly affect the optical response of a system. Here, we report the controlled modification of the fluorescent emission by the assembly of water-soluble quantum rods (QRs). Our study combines optical, electron microcopy, and X-ray scattering characterizations to reveal a correlation between the self-assembly behavior of QRs into ordered 3D-arrays and the optical properties (luminescence) of formed assemblies, where the observed optical response is highly dependent on the QR aspect ratio. Specifically, shorter, 18 nm long QRs (QR18), exhibiting a well-defined smectic packing, demonstrate an enhancement of the emission intensity accompanied by a red shift and a lifetime reduction. In contrast, 40 nm long QRs (QR40), forming a columnar phase, does not show these optical properties.

Enhanced electric field sensitivity of quantum dot/rod two-photon fluorescence and its relevance for cell transmembrane voltage imaging

The optoelectronic properties of semiconductor nanoparticles make them valuable candidates for the long-term monitoring of transmembrane electric fields in excitable cells. In this work, we show that the electric field sensitivity of the fluorescence intensity of type-I and quasi-type-II quantum dots and quantum rods is enhanced under two-photon excitation compared to single-photon excitation. Based on the superior electric field sensitivity of the two-photon excited fluorescence, we demonstrate the ability of quantum dots and rods to track fast switching E-fields. These findings indicate the potential of semiconductor nanoparticles as cellular voltage probes in multiphoton imaging.

Progress toward blue-emitting (460–475 nm) nanomaterials in display applications

Recently, quantum dots (QD) and quantum rods (QRs) have become extremely popular in displays and lighting applications. Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) equipped with quantum dot enhancement films (QDEFs) offer extended color saturation, increasing said saturation from 60 to 70% to more than 100% of the NTSC color gamut. A plethora of research dealing with EL/PL properties and the device-based performance of these materials has been published. The tunable emission wavelength and the narrow emission bandwidth are the key features of quantum dots and perovskite nanoparticles that primarily depend on the nanoparticle size and material composition. QRs, in contrast, have a core–shell structure and emit polarized light that can roughly double the efficiency of modern displays. However, blue emission for QRs, because of the large bathochromic redshift during shell growth, is a serious problem. Besides photoluminescence, electroluminescence is also important for display applications. These QD-LEDs show a lower turn ON voltage in comparison to organic LEDs, which is very important for high-resolution displays. The solution-processed narrower emission QD-LEDs have already achieved efficiency and a brightness comparable to vacuum-deposited phosphorescent organic LEDs (OLEDs). However, the blue-emitting nanoparticles and their short operational lifetime are the key obstacles in the progression of these devices. Furthermore, recently the display and lighting industry are trying to reduce the short-wavelength emissions, particularly in the spectral region below 455 nm, which has a much greater impact on human ocular health and circadian rhythm. Thus, industries are aiming at blue light in the spectral range of 460–475 nm. This spectral range is very challenging for nanomaterials because of the limited choice of materials. In this review, we summarize the recent progress made in the blue-emitting nanomaterials with a different morphology and composition. This includes recent developments in low Cd materials. Both the PL and EL properties of these materials have been discussed depending on the NP’s shape and material composition. This review also aims to discuss the various device architectures employing blue-emitting NPs, any recent achievements and future challenges.