Interaction of CdSe and ZnO nanocrystals with electron-donor and -acceptor molecules

► CdSe and ZnO nanocrystals interact with e-donor (TTF) and -acceptor (TCNE) molecules. ► Isothermal calorimetry shows TCNE interacts more strongly compared to TTF. ► Luminescence quenches with both TTF and TCNE. ► TCNE shifts band-edge emission of CdSe nanocrystals. ► Defect related emission of ZnO blue-shifts with TCNE and red-shifts with TTF.