Gel-like Carbon Dots: Characterization and their Potential Applications

Authors

Yiqun Zhou, University of Miami
Alexandra Desserre, CESI Engineering School - Charente, France
Shiv Sharma, University of Miami
Shanghao Li, University of Miami
M. Hensley Marksberry, Middle Tennessee State University
Charles C. Chusuei, Middle Tennessee State University
Patricia Blackwelder, University of MiamiFollow
Roger M. Leblanc, University of Miami

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-19-2017

Publication Title

ChemPhysChem

Keywords

Carbon dots, Gels, Invisible inks, Photoluminescence, Quantum dots

ISSN

1439-4235

Volume

18

Issue/No.

8

First Page

890

Last Page

897

Abstract

Highly photoluminescent gel-like carbon dots (G-CDs) were successfully synthesized for the first time by a rapid one-step solvothermal synthesis approach with citric acid and 1,2-ethylenediamine as the precursors. Their gel-like nature was revealed by the Tyndall and coagulation effects, which were elucidated by a negative ζ potential value. The influences of temperature on the properties and sizes of these G-CDs were analyzed, and the best method for a maximum quantum yield was identified. The resulting products emitted blue photoluminescence under UV light (λ=365 nm) and a gradient of color under regular light. In addition, the UV/Vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectra of the G-CDs indicated that those synthesized at 160 °C exhibited the highest fluorescence quantum yield (33 %). Atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy measurements were performed, and a higher temperature of formation resulted in smaller G-CDs. Furthermore, band shifts in the UV/Vis and fluorescence spectra and sequential changes in the quantum yield values and ζ potentials in addition to elemental compositional changes as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were monitored throughout the formation process of the G-CDs. As to applications, G-CDs were prepared as an invisible ink for printers, which exhibited the applicability of G-CDs in daily life and military activities.

Comments

©2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim

NSUWorks Citation

Yiqun Zhou, Alexandra Desserre, Shiv Sharma, Shanghao Li, M. Hensley Marksberry, Charles C. Chusuei, Patricia Blackwelder, and Roger M. Leblanc. 2017. Gel-like Carbon Dots: Characterization and their Potential Applications .ChemPhysChem , (8) : 890 -897. https://nsuworks.nova.edu/occ_facarticles/847.

DOI

10.1002/cphc.201700038