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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
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On-line Analysis of Nitrogen Containing Compounds in Complex Hydrocarbon Matrixes
Published on: August 5, 2016
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Structural evolution of carbon dots during low temperature pyrolysis.
Hui Luo1,2, Leonardo Lari3, Hyunjeong Kim4
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College Road, Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK. m.titirici@imperial.ac.uk.
Nanoscale
|January 6, 2022
Summary
Structural changes in carbon dots (CDs) during hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) lead to ordered graphitic structures. This transformation enhances their near-infrared solid-state photoluminescence for applications like sensing and anti-counterfeiting.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Carbon dots (CDs) are novel photoluminescent nanomaterials with optical properties tied to their electronic structure.
- Understanding the relationship between structural evolution and optoelectronic properties is crucial for their application.
- Hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) is a key method for preparing CDs, but the detailed structural changes remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural evolution of CDs during HTC.
- To correlate structural changes with alterations in optoelectronic properties, specifically near-infrared (NIR) solid-state photoluminescence (PL).
- To elucidate how disorder-to-order transitions impact CD characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Detailed structural characterisation techniques were employed.
- In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe structural changes during carbonisation.
- Correlation analysis between structural features and NIR solid-state PL properties.
Main Results:
- Observed a transition from a disordered, functionalised structure to a more ordered, graphitic structure during HTC.
- Demonstrated growth in aromatic domains and a reduction in oxidation sites within the CDs.
- Established a clear correlation between these structural modifications and enhanced NIR solid-state PL.
Conclusions:
- The structural rearrangement of CDs during HTC is a critical factor in their optoelectronic properties.
- The observed structural evolution directly influences the development of NIR solid-state PL.
- These findings pave the way for advanced applications of CDs in areas like temperature sensing, solid-state lighting, and anti-counterfeit security.
