Exploring the Potential of Water-Soluble Cu(II) Complexes with MPA–CdTe Quantum Dots for Photoinduced Electron Transfer

Three water-soluble copper complexes based on the amine/pyridine functionalities were investigated, along with quantum dots, as a catalyst–photosensitizer assembly, respectively, for fundamental understanding of photoinduced electron transfer. Luminescence quenching and lifetime measurements performed to try establish actual process that leads quenching, such transfer, energy or complex formation (static quenching). Cyclic voltammetry dynamic light scattering experiments also performed. Irrespective similar reduction potentials three complexes, very different photoluminescence properties observed.