Thickness-Controllable Silica Coating of CdTe QDs by Reverse Microemulsion Method for the Application in the Growth of Rice

Herein, we report the synthesis and surface modification of CdTe quantum dots (QDs) and the application in the rice growth. Water-soluble thioglycolic acid (TGA) stabilized CdTe quantum dots were synthesized firstly and then the surface modification was conducted. II–VI semiconductor nanocrystals prefer to be coated with silica as inert materials to improve their chemical properties. The toxicity of QDs reduced after the modification. Silica coated QDs were used in the growth of rice seed and the effect was discussed. In our knowledge it is the first time we report that the silica coated QDs had nice effect on the growth of rice.