Formation of water soluble wavelength tunable InGaP and InP quantum dots

Quantum dots (Q-dots) have recently attracted interest for biological applications as efficient biomarkers. Operational wavelength and water solubility are core considerations in terms of the applicable to Q-dots in biology. However, operating wavelength control and PL loss during water solubilization are major drawbacks. Herein, high quality, wavelength tuneable, and water soluble InGaP and InP were prepared using a simple thermal synthesis. The results obtained showed that the decrease in quantum yield previously observed in lipidized quantum dots loss was greatly diminished using this approach, which resulted in excellent control of emission wavelength and enhanced PL intensity. Q-dot sizes were controlled using a two-step etching process that enabled size control, significantly improved PL intensities, and minimized the loss in PL intensity associated with lipidization.