Preparation and Characterization of Optically Active Polyacetylene@CdTe Quantum Dots Composites with Low Infrared Emissivity

Optically active polyacetylene@CdTe Quantum Dots (HPA@CdTe and RPA@CdTe) composites have been prepared based on the surface modification of CdTe quantum dots (QDs). The as-prepared HPA@CdTe and RPA@CdTe were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–Vis absorption spectra, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The infrared emissivity of HPA@CdTe and RPA@CdTe was also investigated. The results indicate that the polyacetylenes were successfully grafted onto the surfaces of the CdTe QDs without destroying the original crystalline structure of the CdTe QDs. Moreover, the infrared emissivity values of the HPA@CdTe and RPA@CdTe composites were reduced to 0.392 and 0.454, which possess much lower infrared emissivity values than those of the pure polymers and nanoparticles. The results are attributed to interfacial interactions between the organic and inorganic components. Furthermore, the helical conformation may also reduce the infrared emissivity due to the more ordered stereo structure and regular secondary structure.