Eco-Friendly Electrophoretic Deposition of Fluorescent Nanocomposite Films in an Aqueous Dispersion of Hydrophilized Core/Shell CuInS2/ZnS Quantum Dots for Optoelectronic Applications

Low-toxic and efficient fluorescent core–shell CuInS2/ZnS (CIS/ZnS) quantum dots (QDs) are good candidates for optoelectronic device applications. They are synthesized in a hydrophobic environment, while large amounts of organic solvents used in the preparation of fluorescent films have significant problems on environmental load and human health. CIS/ZnS QDs hydrophilized by adsorbing 3-mercaptopropionic acid on their surfaces can be used in the aqueous film fabrication process. In this work, the aqueous electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of the hydrophilized QDs with silicone-modified acrylic resin nanoparticles was performed to fabricate fluorescent nanocomposite films. The hydrophilized QDs and resin nanoparticles were simultaneously dispersed in basic aqueous solutions due to electrostatic repulsion resulting from their negatively charged surfaces. Transparent films were obtained on a transparent conductive substrate at the anode side by the EPD. They showed yellow fluorescence of the QDs. The thickness increased with increasing the deposition time; however, hemispherical holes attributed to oxygen gas generated by water electrolysis were observed at the longer time. The electron microscopy revealed that the films were densely and homogeneously deposited. The QDs were dispersed around the resin nanoparticles without aggregation. The fluorescence (FL) quantum yield was 43%. The optical absorption peak and FL intensity of the QDs increased accompanied by the film growth. The nanocomposite film showed good heat resistance at 80–120 °C for 5 h; therefore, the prepared films have feasibility in white light-emitting diode (LED) applications. A lightening device structured with the obtained EPD film placed on a blue LED successfully emitted white light. In addition, the flexibility of the nanocomposite film was demonstrated. The aqueous EPD method would be one of the suitable methods for the industrial production of fluorescent QD films. This technique can be applied to other hydrophilic fluorescent QDs with charged surfaces. Realization of various fluorescent QD films would expand the application possibilities.