Cucurbituril-mediated quantum dot aggregates formed by aqueous self-assembly for sensing applications

Abstract

Self-assembled nanoparticles have important applications in energy systems, optical devices and sensors, via the formation of aggregates with controlled interparticle spacing. Here we report aqueous self-assembly of rigid macrocycle cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and fluorescent quantum dots (QDs), and demonstrate the potential of the system for efficient energy transfer and sensing of small molecules.