Energy transfer from CdSe quantum dots to graphene

Graphene-CdSe quantum dots hybrid is a promising structure to combine unique properties of graphene and quantum dots. In this work, graphene was firstly prepared on a 300 nm SiO2/Si substrate by mechanical exfoliation of a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite using scotch tape. Then the samples were immersed in CdSe quantum dots solutions for 15 minutes and followed by water flush. The graphene-CdSe quantum dots hybrid structures were obtained due to the electrostatic adsorption of CdSe quantum dots on graphene. Fluorescence quenching of CdSe quantum dots on graphene was found, which probably indicates the energy transfer from CdSe quantum dots to graphene. The results suggest that graphene is a good candidate for manipulating energy transfer of quantum dots due to its extremely high carrier mobility.