| Semiconductor quantum dots are inorganic nanoparticles with unique photophysical properties. In particular, water soluble quantum dots which have been synthesized by colloidal chemistry in aqueous environment are highly luminescent. Their high absorption cross sections, tunable properties, narrow emission bands and effectiveness of surface functionality have stimulated the usage of these luminescent probes in various applications like biological sensors as well as imaging contrast agents. This thesis presents several aspects about the synthesis of highly luminescent water soluble, CdTe quantum dots, their near infrared counterpart HgxCd1-xTe and application such as using CdTe quantum dots for the quantitative analysis of the photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) while also discussing singlet oxygen detection. Finally, the synthesis of extremely crystallized PbS quantum dots will be described alongside with their application of the electrochemical assay for detection of the cancer embryonic antigen (CEA). |
