Quantum Dots in Reversible Deactivation Radical Polymerization: From Photocatalytic Activity to Advanced Materials

Quantum dots (QDs), valued for their distinctive luminescent properties and size-dependent emission spectra, have garnered considerable attention in polymer chemistry. In line with this interest, the review highlights their role in reversible deactivation radical polymerization techniques, specifically atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT). Various types of quantum dots (QDs) and their ability to mediate photoinduced electron transfer (PET), as well as their potential for polymer grafting, are discussed, including semiconductor QDs, silicon quantum dots (Si-QDs), and carbon quantum dots (CQDs), the latter being the most extensively studied. Moreover, the role of QDs photocatalysts in photoATRP, metal-free ATRP (o-ATRP), and PET-RAFT is explored thoroughly, along with the impact of doping and confinement modifications on their performance. Additionally, the review covers subsequent functionalization with initiation sites or chain transfer agents for surface-initiated ATRP or RAFT, highlighting their possible applications.