Quantum dot-metal oxide linkers

A method, comprising:

• exposing a metal oxide to a linker comprising a first functional group (F1) capable of binding to a quantum dot and a plurality of second functional groups (F2) capable of binding to the metal oxide, wherein the linker has a general formula F1-A-(F2)z wherein:
• F1 is —COOH, —COO−, —PO3H2, —PO3H−, —B(OH)2, —BO2H−, —SO3H, —SO3−, —NH2, —SH, or —S−,
• A is aryl, heteroaryl, aliphatic, or heteroaliphatic, and
• z≧1 and each F2 independently is —PO3H2, —PO3H−, —B(OH)2, —BO2H−, —SO3H, —SO3−, or z≧2 and each F2 independently is —COOH, —COO−, —PO3H2, —PO3H−, —B(OH)2, —BO2H−, —SO3H, or —SO3−, or z≧2 and (F2)z collectively is an oxysilane moiety comprising z lower alkoxy groups bound to silicon, thereby producing a linker-functionalized metal oxide;
• and
• exposing the linker-functionalized metal oxide to a quantum dot comprising a I-III-VI semiconductor, a I-II-IV-VI semiconductor, or a combination thereof, thereby producing a quantum dot-functionalized metal oxide.