Carbazole-decorated fluorescent CdS quantum dots: A potential light-harvesting material

An organic-inorganic nanohybrid system (AMC-CdS QD) comprised of a fluorescent carbazole analog, AMC (3-amino- N -methyl carbazole), and CdS QDs has been synthesized, which shows promise as a sustainable energy harvesting material. FT-IR and 1 H NMR spectroscopy have ascertained the covalent grafting of the carbazole moieties onto the mercaptopropionic acid (MPA)-capped surface of the CdS QDs. Detailed photophysical characterization of this nanohybrid system have confirmed the occurrence of efficient Fӧrster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from its organic to inorganic counterpart. This phenomenon was also demonstrated using SCC-DFTB-based quantum chemical calculations. As explored in the present work, the photoelectron transfer efficiency of AMC-CdS QDs signifies their plausible future applications as light-harvesting materials. • Carbazole-decorated fluorescent CdS QDs as an organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterial. • An efficient FRET between the surface-anchored carbazole moieties and CdS QDs. • A unified experimental-theoretical study to explore their photophysical properties. • A potential hybrid material for photovoltaic applications.