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Article
Gel-like Carbon Dots: Characterization and their Potential Applications
ChemPhysChem
  • 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 Miami
  • Roger M. Leblanc, University of Miami
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-19-2017
Keywords
  • Carbon dots,
  • Gels,
  • Invisible inks,
  • Photoluminescence,
  • Quantum dots
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.

DOI
10.1002/cphc.201700038
Comments

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

Citation Information
Yiqun Zhou, Alexandra Desserre, Shiv Sharma, Shanghao Li, et al.. "Gel-like Carbon Dots: Characterization and their Potential Applications" ChemPhysChem Vol. 18 Iss. 8 (2017) p. 890 - 897 ISSN: 1439-4235
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/patricia-blackwelder/58/