Quantum-dot-embedded polymeric fiber films with photoluminescence and superhydrophobicity

Abstract We report the fabrication of poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA)/CdTe composite fiber films with bifunctional photoluminescent and superhydrophobic properties via an electrospinning route. Initially, CdTe quantum dots (QDs) were prepared via an aqueous synthetic approach. Subsequently, the assembly of as-prepared CdTe QDs and dodecylamine at water/chloroform interfaces induced a phase transfer of QDs from the aqueous phase into the chloroform phase. Finally, direct blending of the chloroform solution of QDs with a polymer host PMMA and then electrospinning yielded uniform fibrous films. The as-prepared film is composed of microscale fibers with bead-on-string architecture and submicroscale pore structure, which exhibits superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 151.2° and a sliding angle of 3.8°. The fluorescence was thoroughly discussed by photoluminescence measurements and confocal microscopy images. This simple and versatile method to achieve bifunctional composite fiber films may find potential applications in diverse fields.