Synthesis and Characterisation of Mono- and Bi-dentate BODIPY Based Chromophores for CdSe Containing Hybrid Nanomaterials

The discovery of new technologies is pivotal in addressing global challenges, with sustainable and versatile materials playing a foundational role. Quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as exceptionally promising materials, acknowledged with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2023. Their quantum size effect enables precise manipulation of optical and electronic properties, facilitating applications across diverse fields such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), photovoltaics, bioimaging, and biosensing. Building upon QD research, the development of hybrid nanomaterials (HNs) has garnered attention, integrating organic components to stabilize and enhance their properties. Notably, HNs show promise in photovoltaics to meet renewable energy demands and in bioimaging to advance healthcare interventions. Addressing the imperative for renewable energy sources, HNs offer avenues to improve photovoltaic technology by mitigating losses and enhancing efficiency. In bioimaging, HNs offer enhanced optical properties and targeting capabilities, promising improved diagnostics and drug delivery.

This project aims to synthesise and characterise novel HNs, investigating energy transfer mechanisms between QD-based HNs. In this study, two BODIPY dyes were synthesised and characterised. Each dye was complexed to a CdSe QD to make two novel HNs. The extent to which energy transfer occurred in each HN was characterised by photophysical techniques and Stern-Volmer measurements. These systems revealed Fourier Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) with efficiencies of 55% and 92%, on par and exceeding literature values. Such pursuits contribute to advancing sustainable technologies crucial for addressing global challenges.