Supramolecular self-assembly and photophysical properties of pillar[5]arene-stabilized CdTe quantum dots mediated by viologens

Carboxylatopillar[5]arene (CP[5]A) functionalized CdTe quantum dots (CP[5]A@QDs) were synthesized via a ligand-exchange method and shown to be very stable in basic aqueous solutions. Significantly, CP[5]As can be modified on the surfaces of QDs to stabilize the photochemical properties of CdTe nanocrystals and serve as bridges to induce the formation of an aggregated supramolecular network upon the addition of bridged methyl viologen guest molecules.