Quantum dots enabling all-in-one controllable polymerization through triplet energy transfer.

ABSTRACT: Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) have recently emerged as a class of initiators or activators for photopolymerization, typically relying on photoinduced charge transfer from QDs to co-additives. Here we report efficient photopolymerization of acrylates using QDs alone without any co-additives, triggered by energy transfer from photoexcited QDs to the triplet excited-states of acrylates on sub-nanosecond timescales. The diradical-like triplets are converted to free radicals through interaction with QDs' surface dangling bonds, thereby initiating chain propagation. The radical-surface interaction enables controlled polymerization with narrow polydispersity and block copolymerization capability. This study demonstrates how the interior excitons and surface atoms of QDs can synergistically drive c

SUBMITTER: Lyu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12618609 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature