Quantum dots (QDs) 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.