Synthesis, Stabilization of CdSe Quantum Dots and the Role of Rose Water and Citric Environment

In this report, we present the colloidal synthesis and environmental stability of CdSe QDs using PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) as a dispersing media. Aiming to provide a stable colloidal system for biological study, different ambient conditions, such as different Cd2+ concentration, reaction time and pH values have been considered. Moreover, the aging effect has been studied by solubilizing the QDs using natural media: lemon (citric acid) and rose water. The optical properties investigated by different spectroscopic tools have revealed that CdSe QDs are more stable in citric environment due to esterification of PVA to PVA-C (functionalization with carboxyl group). Highly fluorescent CdSe-QDs in citric environment would find scope in biophysical applications including imaging and labeling molecules.