Chromium-Based Metal-Organic Framework MIL101(Cr)–CdSe Quantum Dot Composites: Synthesis, Morphology, Gas Adsorption and Photoluminescent Properties

Chromium-based metal-organic framework MIL101(Cr)–CdSe quantum dot (QD) composites were synthesized by two different approaches: (a) loading the pre-synthesized CdSe QDs onto the surface of the MIL101(Cr) particles [denoted as CdSe/MIL101(Cr)] and (b) in situ synthesis of CdSe QDs into the pores of MIL101(Cr) (denoted as CdSe@Cr-MIL-101). The effect of synthesis technique on morphology, gas adsorption and photoluminescent properties of the as-prepared MOF-QD composites has been investigated. It was found that the porosity of composite materials strongly depends on the loading amount of CdSe QDs. Interestingly, the incorporation of CdSe QDs into/onto to MIL101(Cr) has enhanced optical absorption of the composites in the visible region (redshift) and therefore has potential applications in photocatalysis or solar cells.