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Mechanofluorochromic carbon dots under grinding stimulation
Yang Xu1, Yuhan Li1, Yuhang Meng1
1National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Energy Conservation in Chemical Process Integration and Resources Utilization and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Chemical Process Safety, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Guangrong Dao No. 8, Hongqiao District, Tianjin, 300130, China. xyang@hebut.edu.cn lihuanrong@hebut.edu.cn.
Researchers developed novel carbon dots (CDs) exhibiting reversible mechanofluorochromic (MFC) properties under low pressure. These MFC-CDs change fluorescence color and can be used as security films.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Mechanofluorochromic (MFC) nanomaterials change color under mechanical stress, but typically require high pressures (gigapascals).
- Developing low-pressure MFC nanomaterials with reversible properties remains a significant challenge in materials science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first instance of reversible mechanofluorochromic carbon dots (CDs) functioning under low-pressure conditions.
- To investigate the structural basis for the observed reversible MFC phenomena in these carbon dots.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of carbon dots (CDs) with mechanofluorochromic properties.
- Induction of fluorescence changes via anisotropic grinding and treatment with acid vapors.
- Characterization of structural and fluorescence changes using X-ray diffraction analysis.
Main Results:
- The developed carbon dots exhibit a distinct solid-state fluorescence color change from green to blue upon anisotropic grinding.
- A reversible fluorescence change was observed when the MFC-carbon dots were exposed to acid vapors.
- X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that reversibility is linked to the recovery of the crystalline state.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully demonstrates reversible mechanofluorochromic carbon dots operating under low-pressure conditions.
- A clear relationship between reversible MFC properties and the structural integrity (hydrogen bonds, stacking, crystalline state) of the carbon dots was established.
- These MFC-carbon dots show potential for applications as advanced security films.
