Research on the spectral properties of luminescent carbon dots

This paper is trying to research the developing status of carbon dots (CDs), and the results show that the simple, rapid and high yield synthetic methods for CDs and the application of CDs in biological science and analysis field will certainly become an inevitable development trend in the future. The CDs obtained by microwave possess excellent optical properties including UV–Vis absorption, fluorescence and room temperature phosphorescence. Under the conditions of 30 °C and 10 min, the fluorescence signal (F) of CDs not only could be enhanced by hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), Triton X-100, Na2S, Na2C2O4 and NH3.H2O, but also could be quenched by sodium dodecyl sulfate, KBrO3, K2S2O8, NaIO4, ascorbic acid, NaBH4, HNO3, HCl, H2SO4, CH3COOH and most metal ions, with the λemmax blue or red shifting in varying degrees, indicating the potential values of CDs in analytical application. Besides, the sensitive response of F to pH showed the promise of developing a new pH sensor with CDs.

Graphical abstractPhosphorescence spectra (1.1′ NCM, 2.2′ 1.1′ + 1.00 ml CDs).Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The current research, development trend and focus of carbon dots have been summarized. ► The CDs were synthesized by microwave and characterized by phosphorescence. ► The spectral properties of CDs and their potential application have been studied.