Open Access Conference Proceedings

The type, number, and magnitude of environmental constraints are currently undergoing changes due to shifts in climate patterns already observed for the past and predicted for the future. These changes are already affecting grape composition with observed changes in sugar and acidity concentrations. UV sensor in vineyards is therefore needed. In this work, the ability of cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe QDs) to respond to UV radiation was examined. Green, yellow, orange, and red CdTe QDs were freshly prepared every day and exposed to UV daily radiation for 12 hours for seven consecutive summer days. Every day, solar irradiance was measured, reaching maximal values during the day of around 200-700 W/m2 with a UV index of 2-8. The highest solar and UV irradiances were on the third, fourth, sixth, and seventh days (700 W/m2, UV index 8). The lowest solar and UV irradiances were on the first and fifth days (600 W/m2, UV index 6). On the second day, both irradiances were average (200-500 W/m2; UV index 4-7). The physical properties of individual QDs (absorption and fluorescence maxima, electrochemical determination of cadmium concentration) were monitored. The rising dose of UV radiation led to the release of cadmium ions and the change in the size of individual QDs (a significant change of colour directed toward to the red area of the visible light spectrum). Yellow, orange, and green QDs responded most to UV radiation. This sensor will be used for detection of UV radiation in vineyards.

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