Towards Red Emissive Systems Based on Carbon Dots

Area of Science:

• Nanomaterials Science
• Photochemistry
• Materials Chemistry

Background:

• Carbon dots (C-dots) are non-toxic nanoemitters with tunable photoluminescence (PL) and high quantum yield (QY).
• Most research focuses on blue/green emitting C-dots, limiting applications.
• Red-emissive C-dots are crucial for bioimaging, photothermal/photodynamic therapy, and LEDs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review strategies for achieving red-emissive carbon dots.
• To emphasize applications of red-emitting C-dot systems.
• To provide a comprehensive overview of modulating C-dot photoluminescence.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of literature on C-dot emission modulation.
• Analysis of strategies including sp2 domain conjugation, heteroatom doping, solvatochromism, surface functionalization, and passivation.
• Examination of applications in suspensions, nanopowders, and polymer nanocomposites.

Main Results:

• Various methods effectively shift C-dot PL towards longer wavelengths (red emission).
• These strategies enable C-dots for specialized applications requiring red light emission.
• Red-emissive C-dots show promise in bioimaging, therapy, and optoelectronic devices.

Conclusions:

• Modulating C-dot properties is key to unlocking their full potential.
• Red-emissive C-dots offer significant advantages for advanced technological applications.
• This review consolidates knowledge on red-emitting C-dots and their diverse uses.