quantum dots are encapsulated within microbeads having a silyl surface shell . the microbeads are prepared by copolymerizing unsaturated resins and an unsaturated organosilane in the presence of qds . during the copolymerization , the unsaturated resin and the organosilane phase separate , forming beads having a silyl surface shell surrounding an essentially unsilylated interior . the qds are encapsulated within the interior . the silyl shell provides a barrier against oxygen and other contaminants diffusing into the bead and reacting with the qds .