Synthesis and Luminescent Properties of Carbon Nanodots Dispersed in Nanostructured Silicas

Abstract

Luminescent carbon nanoparticles are a relatively new class of luminescent materials that have attracted the increasing interest of chemists, physicists, biologists and engineers. The present review has a particular focus on the synthesis and luminescent properties of carbon nanoparticles dispersed inside nanostructured silica of different natures: oxidized porous silicon, amorphous thin films, nanopowders, and nanoporous sol–gel-derived ceramics. The correlations of processing conditions with emission/excitation spectral properties, relaxation kinetics, and photoluminescence photodegradation behaviors are analyzed. Following the evolution of the photoluminescence (PL) through the “from-bottom-to-up” synthesis procedure, the transformation of molecular-like ultraviolet emission of organic precursor into visible emission of carbon nanoparticles is demonstrated. At the end of the review, a novel method for the synthesis of luminescent and transparent composites, in form of nanoporous silica filled with luminescent carbon nanodots, is presented. A prototype of white light emitting devices, constructed on the basis of such luminophores and violet light emitting diodes, is demonstrated.

Raman Spectroscopy and Thermoelectric Characterization of Composite Thin Films of Cu2ZnSnS4 Nanocrystals Embedded in a Conductive Polymer PEDOT:PSS

“…This result was in agreement with our previous work and confirms the choice of an energy density of 12 J/cm 2 as optimal. The appearance of an increasing background in the high-frequency region of the spectrum probably stemmed from the photoluminescence of amorphous carbon species [ 43 ] formed due to the partial decomposition of the ligands. The weak broad feature that appeared around 1600 cm −1 due to Raman scattering of such amorphous carbon supports this assumption [ 44 ].…”

“Green” Fluorescent–Plasmonic Carbon-Based Nanocomposites with Controlled Performance for Mild Laser Hyperthermia

“…Moreover, germanium nanostructures can be employed for cell imaging [38], memory devices [39] and many other applications [40]. Finally, carbon nanodots (C NDs), exhibiting strong fluorescence in the visible spectral range [41,42], are promising for photonic and life science applications, in particular for optical bioimaging, water cleaning technologies and bimodal fluorescence-photoacoustic imaging [43][44][45]. Nevertheless, their application areas are still significantly limited due to the absence of other features, such as plasmonic or magnetic properties requiring the development of novel nanomaterials with easily controlled performance.…”