Polymers as Multidentate Ligands for Semiconductor Nanocrystals

In 2004, we began a collaboration with my colleague Greg Scholes in the area of semiconductor nanocrystals (quantum dots). The idea we set out to investigate was whether polymers with functional pendant groups could act as multidentate ligands for these nanocrystals to improve colloidal stability and possibly enhance photoluminescence brightness. All early results have been encouraging. These have led to three publications [JACS 2005; Angewantdte Chemie 2006, Macromolecules 2006], and a patent application. This work is funded by an NSERC Strategic Grant. A team of three students and one postdoctoral researchers now work on this project.