A method for manufacturing powdered quantum dots comprising the steps of:
a) reacting quantum dots comprising a core, a cap and a first ligand
associated with the outer surfaces thereof with a second ligand, the
second ligand displacing the first ligand and attaching to the outer
surfaces of the quantum dots, b) isolating the quantum dots having the
attached second ligand from the reaction mixture, c) reacting the
isolated quantum dots having the attached second ligand with a small
organic molecule whereby the small organic molecule attaches to the
second ligand, d) reacting the quantum dots having the attached small
organic molecule with a cross-linking agent to cross-link the small
organic molecule attached to the second ligand with an adjacent second
ligand attached to the surfaces of the quantum dots, e) isolating the
quantum dots formed in step (d); and f) drying the isolated quantum dots
to form powdered quantum dots. The invention includes the quantum dots.