Micelle-Assisted Synthesis of Quantum Dot Arrays. A Nanoreactor Approach for ZnO and ZnS Nanoparticles

Mourtas Spyridon ¹*

This study determined nanoparticle synthesis via micelles for biofunctionalization, optimizing conditions for stable quantum dot arrays.

Abstract

Background. Quantum dots (QDs) are nanoscale semiconductor particles with unique optical and electronic properties, making them suitable for biomedical imaging, drug delivery, and biosensing applications. However, controlling their size and stability in physiological environments remains a challenge. This study investigated the use of polymeric micelles to encapsulate QDs and synthesize ZnO and ZnS nanoparticles to form nanoparticle arrays for biofunctionalization purposes. Methods. Micelle solutions were prepared using polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) block copolymers. ZnO and ZnS nanoparticles were synthesized in situ by loading zinc precursors (ZnAc, ZnCl2) into the micelles, followed by oxidation using tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMA-OH) and sodium oxide (Na2O). The nanoparticles were characterized by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Results. Uniform micelles with sizes ranging from 70-120 nm were successfully formed. ZnO nanoparticles (50-80 nm) displayed strong UV absorption at 370 nm, confirming the synthesis. ZnS nanoparticles (60 nm) were synthesized using Na2S•9H2O, exhibiting a UV absorption peak at 290 nm. Ex situ synthesis on silicon substrates using oxygen plasma produced well-ordered nanoparticle arrays. Conclusion. Polymeric micelles effectively served as nanoreactors for ZnO and ZnS nanoparticle synthesis. The choice of zinc precursor and oxidizing agent influenced particle size and uniformity. Ex situ techniques demonstrated potential for nanopatterning applications. Future work could focus on scaling up and adapting this method to other metal oxide and sulfide systems for advanced material design.

Keywords. Quantum Dots, Peptides, ZnO Nanoparticles, ZnS Nanoparticles, Micelle Synthesis

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