In
this study, we investigate the photoluminescence stability of
nanocomposites containing quantum dot (QD)/silica hybrid particles
against high temperature and humidity. First, hybrid particles with
different morphologies, such as silica/QD/silica (SQS), QD/mesoporous
silica (MSQ), and QD/wrinkled silica (WSQ), were synthesized and dispersed
in a commercially available silicone resin (Sylgard-184). We performed
stability tests on these nanocomposites at 100 °C/85% RH for
72 h and found that their quantum efficiencies were maintained or
even increased during the test, whereas a nanocomposite containing
bare QDs exhibited a significant decrease in quantum efficiency. The
enhancement in quantum efficiencies of the nanocomposites containing
the MSQ and SQS particles was attributed to the photoactivation phenomenon.
To further investigate the stability after exposure to heat and moisture,
we measured quantum efficiencies of the photoactivated nanocomposites
after storing them for 10 days under ambient conditions. Those efficiencies
significantly decreased to values even lower than the initial values.
However, quantum efficiency of the nanocomposite containing WSQ particles
remained constant during and after the stability test because of the
particle morphology. Therefore, we conclude that the nanocomposite
containing the WSQ particles was most stable against high temperature
and humidity and that the photoactivation was not desirable for the
stability of nanocomposites, although it initially enhanced the photoluminescence
properties.