Direct Generation of Mn‐Doped ZnS Quantum Dots/Alginate Nanocomposite Beads Based on Gelation and In Situ Synthesis of Quantum Dots

摘要

Abstract Herein, a concise and novel method is developed to directly generate Mn‐doped ZnS QDs/alginate nanocomposite beads. In this method, the ionic gelation of alginate is employed to produce alginate gel beads in a solution of Zn 2+ and Mn 2+ ions. Subsequently, the gel beads serve as the reaction support for in situ synthesis of Mn‐doped ZnS QDs in the beads through the reaction of sodium sulfide with Zn 2+ and Mn 2+ ions. The method has many benefits such as the simple preparation, the environmentally friendly process, the mild conditions, and the easy post‐treatment for the beads. The resulting QDs/alginate beads are homogeneous and stable gel spheres which show clear fluorescence. TEM images demonstrate that Mn‐doped ZnS QDs are homogeneously distributed within the QDs/alginate nanocomposite, and their average size is 2.4 ±?0.3?nm. Potentially, the QDs/alginate beads can be utilized for fluorescence bioimaging, as well as fluorescence detection toward metal ions.