Epoxy and quantum dots-based nanocomposites: achievements and applications

ABSTRACT

Epoxies are thermally resilient, mechanically robust, and chemically resistant thermosetting polymers. Quantum dots are unique and exceptionally small (size in few nm) nanoparticles having exceptional optoelectronic properties. This article offers concise perception of epoxy/quantum dots-based nanocomposites. In epoxy matrix, carbon dots, graphene and graphene oxide quantum dots, CdSe ZnO, and other semiconductor nanoparticles have been reinforced to attain fine photoluminescence, electrical, thermal, and strength properties. Advancement in epoxy/quantum dots nanocomposites renders them applicable in detectors, light-emitting diode, bioimaging, and corrosion protection. Design of new functional quantum dots and processing strategies may overcome challenges towards high-performance future epoxy/quantum dots.

Graphical abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Epoxy
• quantum dots
• nanocomposites
• light-emitting diodes
• bioimaging
• anti-corrosion
• thermal stability
• high-performance

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ayesha Kausar

Ayesha Kausar works at National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan. She has previously worked for National Centre for Physics and Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan. She obtained her PhD from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad/KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology), Graduate School of EEWS, Daejeon, Republic of Korea. Her research interests include: synthesis, characterization and structure-property relationships of new polymeric materials; synthesis of nanomaterials including organic–inorganic nanocomposites/hybrid materials; polymeric blends via incorporating nanoparticles into thin polymer films; exploring practical and potential prospects of the novel synthesized materials (new polymers and nanomaterials) counting morphological, mechanical, thermal, electrical, conducting, etc.; flame retardant materials; proton conducting fuel cell membranes; nanocomposites for polymer Li-ion battery electrodes; composites based on electrospun nanofibers; production of various polymeric nanoparticles and their composites for solar cells; polymer/carbon nanotube/nanoparticle composites for water treatment; potential of polymer/graphite nanocomposites; polymer/graphene hybrids; polymer/fullerene nanomaterials; fabrication of epoxy-based nanocomposite for various applications; radar absorbing materials; aerospace relevance, and other technical relevances.