Solid-State Fluorescent Carbon Dots with Hydrophobic Modification Induced Red Emission for White Light-Emitting...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemistry

Background:

• Solid-state fluorescence in carbon dots (CDs) is often hindered by aggregation-caused quenching due to excessive π-π interactions.
• Developing stable, solid-state luminescent materials is crucial for advanced optical and electronic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop red solid-state fluorescent carbon dots (SSF-CDs) with suppressed fluorescence quenching.
• To investigate the structural modifications responsible for enhanced solid-state luminescence.
• To explore the tunability of luminescence properties by adjusting precursor ratios and carbon sources.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of SSF-CDs via a one-step solvothermal method using acetone as the carbonization solvent.
• Modification of surface functional groups from oxygen-containing to alkyl groups.
• Characterization using optical and structural analysis techniques.
• Tuning luminescence by adjusting the molar ratio of citric acid (CA) and urea.

Main Results:

• The developed R-CDs exhibited interrupted sp² domains and surface alkyl groups, mitigating π-π interactions and preventing solid-state fluorescence quenching.
• Adjusting the CA:urea molar ratio resulted in solid fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) with panchromatic luminescence and red-shifted emission peaks.
• The fabrication strategy proved effective with various carbon sources like phenylenediamine, salicylic acid, and lignin.

Conclusions:

• A novel strategy for fabricating highly luminescent solid-state carbon dots has been demonstrated.
• Surface functionalization and controlled π-π interactions are key to achieving stable solid-state fluorescence.
• This method offers a versatile platform for designing tunable solid-state luminescent carbon dots.