Simple and Cheap method to detect object proximity in the dark
The QRD1114 will have a very short range, but yes with a IR LED pointed at the spot of the object, depending on the object properties, it will work. 

The better thing might be a cheapo sonic sensor like you can find from HobbyKing "Ultrasonic Module HC-SR04" for about $3, which will give you a broader region to detect in, more range, and is also light-invariant.