Small variations in reaction conditions tune carbon dot fluorescence

• DOI: 10.1039/d2nr01306a
• Publication Date: 2022-03-25T11:41:35Z
• Authors: Teodoro Garcia-Mi...; Thomas A. Swift; David J. Morgan; Robert L. Harniman; Benjamin Masheder; Stephen Hughes; Sean A. Davis; Thomas A. A. Oliver; M. Carmen Galan
• Keywords: Nanomaterials; Stoichiometry; Passivation; Carbon fibers; Quantum yield

The development of robust and reproducible synthetic strategies for the production carbon dots (CDs) with improved fluorescence quantum yields distinct emission profiles is great relevance given vast range applications CDs. fundamental understanding at a molecular level their formation mechanism, chemical structure how these parameters are correlated to photoluminescence (PL) properties thus essential. In this study, we describe synthesis structural characterization CDs physico-chemical properties. materials were prepared under three minutes microwave irradiation using same common starting (D-glucosamine hydrochloride 1 ethylenediamine 2) but modifying stoichiometry reagents. We show that small variation in reaction conditions leads changes fluorescent behaviour CDs, especially selective enhancement overlapped bands. Structural analysis different CD samples suggested pathways during surface passivation, latter step being key observed differences. Moreover, demonstrate have reversible response pH changes, which can be attribute towards protonation/deprotonation events domains present within each nanomaterial. Our results highlight importance lead carbon-based nanomaterials exploited develop tailored specific applications.