Carbon-Dot-Based Thin Film with Responses toward Mechanical Stimulation and Acidic/Basic Vapors

Carbon dots (CDs) as a kind of potential materials have drawn much attention due to their excellent optical properties. However, it is a challenge to fabricate new CDs-based thin films with intelligent responses. Herein, a kind of CDs with mechanical- and basic/acidic vapor-stimulated responsive behaviors was prepared using glutathione as a passivation agent via a one-pot solvothermal reaction. The high solubility of CDs enhanced by glutathione passivation was suitable for the preparation of CDs-based thin film. It is worth noting that the fluorescence of CDs-based poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) thin film can be enhanced under grinding treatment, and it was also sensitive to the presence of ambient acids or bases. These CDs-based films with high stability and excellent mechanical and acid/base responses have great potentials for environmental monitoring.