Structure and Interface Modification of Carbon Dots for Electrochemical Energy Application

Abstract

Carbon dots (CDs) as new nanomaterials have attracted much attention in recent years due to their unique characteristics. Notably, structure and interface modification (carbon core, edge, defects, and functional groups) of CDs have been considered as valid methods to regulate their properties, which contain electron transfer effect, electrochemical activity, fluorescence luminescent, and so on. Additionally, CDs with ultrasmall size, excellent dispersibility, high specific surface area, and abundant functional groups can guarantee positive and extraordinary effects in electrical energy storage and conversion. Therefore, CDs are used to couple with other materials by constructing a special interface structure to enhance their properties. Here, diverse structural and interfacial modifications of CDs with various heteroatoms and synergy effects are systematically analyzed. And not only several main syntheses of CDs‐based composites (CDs/X) are summarized but also the merit and demerit of CDs/X in electrical energy storage are discussed. Finally, the applications of CDs/X in energy storage devices (supercapacitors, batteries) and electrocatalysts for practical applications are discussed. This review mainly provides a comprehensive summary and future prospect for synthesis, modification, and electrochemical applications of CDs.

Natural Stibnite for Lithium-/Sodium-Ion Batteries: Carbon Dots Evoked High Initial Coulombic Efficiency

“…Owing to ultrasmall size (< 10 nm) and abundant functional groups, carbon dots (CDs) have quite unique physicochemical properties [ 17 ]. In our previous study, it was proved that CDs can be converted into functional carbon materials after heat treatment [ 18 ], which exhibited superior electrochemical performance.…”

Carbon Dots in Bioimaging, Biosensing and Therapeutics: A Comprehensive Review

“…[82] Advances in synthesis and surface modification technologies make CDs appealing platforms for engineering of biological probes with improved brightness, tunable fluorescence, enhanced water-solubility, and biocompatibility. [83][84][85] For example, heteroatom doping can endow CDs regulated structural defects and enhanced optical properties. [86,87] These new surface states inhibit or eliminate the original O-states and promote radiative recombination, leading to higher QYs and doped CDs with excitation-independent emissions.…”

Toward phosphorescent and delayed fluorescent carbon quantum dots for next-generation electroluminescent displays

“…The chemical functionalization of CQDs is a potential strategy to regulate their chemical, electronic, and photophysical properties. 118,119 Generally, CQDs prepared from either “top-down” or “bottom-up” synthetic approaches are indigenously functionalized with abundant surface groups, especially oxygen related functional groups, such as carboxyl and hydroxyl, which impart suitable chemically reactive groups for surface passivation and functionalization. 120 For instance, bandgap narrowing can be tailored by grafting GQDs with electron-donating/withdrawing functionalities.…”