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Wang L, Weng S, Su S, Wang W. Progress on the luminescence mechanism and application of carbon quantum dots based on biomass synthesis. RSC Adv 2023; 13:19173-19194. [PMID: 37362342 PMCID: PMC10288538 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra02519e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
With the continuous development of carbon-based materials, a variety of new materials have emerged one after another. Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) have succeeded in standing out from the crowd of new materials due to their better optical properties in biomedicine, ion detection, anti-counterfeiting materials and photocatalysis. In recent years, through the continuous exploration of CQDs, research scholars have found that the organic substances or heavy metals contained in traditional ones can cause irreversible harm to people and the environment. Therefore, the application of traditional CQDs in future studies will be gradually limited. Among various new materials, biomass raw materials have the merits of good biocompatibility, lower toxicity and green and environmental protection, which largely overcome the defects of traditional materials and have attracted many scholars to focus on the research and development of various biomass CQDs. This paper summarises the optical properties, fluorescence mechanisms, synthetic methods, functionalisation modulation of biomass CQDs and their relevant research progress in the fields of ion detection, bioimaging, biomedicine, biosensing, solar cells, anti-counterfeit materials, photocatalysis and capacitors. Finally, the paper concludes with some discussion of the challenges and prospects of this exciting and promising field of application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- School of Life Science and Chemistry, MinNan Science and Technology University Quanzhou 362332 China
| | - Shujia Weng
- School of Life Science and Chemistry, MinNan Science and Technology University Quanzhou 362332 China
| | - Shuai Su
- School of Life Science and Chemistry, MinNan Science and Technology University Quanzhou 362332 China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- School of Life Science and Chemistry, MinNan Science and Technology University Quanzhou 362332 China
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2
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Gulati S, Baul A, Amar A, Wadhwa R, Kumar S, Varma RS. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Pathways to Photoluminescent Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs). NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:554. [PMID: 36770515 PMCID: PMC9920802 DOI: 10.3390/nano13030554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Carbon quantum dots (CQDs), a new family of photoluminescent 0D NPs, have recently received a lot of attention. They have enormous future potential due to their unique properties, which include low toxicity, high conductivity, and biocompatibility and accordingly can be used as a feasible replacement for conventional materials deployed in various optoelectronic, biomedical, and energy applications. The most recent trends and advancements in the synthesizing and setup of photoluminescent CQDs using environmentally friendly methods are thoroughly discussed in this review. The eco-friendly synthetic processes are emphasized, with a focus on biomass-derived precursors. Modification possibilities for creating newer physicochemical properties among different CQDs are also presented, along with a brief conceptual overview. The extensive amount of writings on them found in the literature explains their exceptional competence in a variety of fields, making these nanomaterials promising alternatives for real-world applications. Furthermore, the benefits, drawbacks, and opportunities for CQDs are discussed, with an emphasis on their future prospects in this emerging research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikha Gulati
- Department of Chemistry, Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110021, India
| | - Arikta Baul
- Department of Chemistry, Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110021, India
| | - Anoushka Amar
- Department of Chemistry, Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110021, India
| | - Rachit Wadhwa
- Department of Chemistry, Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110021, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110021, India
| | - Rajender S. Varma
- Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies, and Innovation (CxI), Technical University of Liberec (TUL), Studentská 1402/2, 461 17 Liberec, Czech Republic
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3
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Electron transport of Chemically Treated Graphene Quantum Dots-based Dye-sensitized Solar Cells. Electrochim Acta 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2022.141667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
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Mahalingam S, Manap A, Lau K, Omar A, Chelvanathan P, Chia C, Amin N, Mathews I, Afandi N, Rahim N. Mixture deposition method for graphene quantum dots-based dye-sensitized solar cell. Electrochim Acta 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.139732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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5
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TiO2-Graphene Quantum Dots Nanocomposites for Photocatalysis in Energy and Biomedical Applications. Catalysts 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/catal11030319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The focus of current research in material science has shifted from “less efficient” single-component nanomaterials to the superior-performance, next-generation, multifunctional nanocomposites. TiO2 is a widely used benchmark photocatalyst with unique physicochemical properties. However, the large bandgap and massive recombination of photogenerated charge carriers limit its overall photocatalytic efficiency. When TiO2 nanoparticles are modified with graphene quantum dots (GQDs), some significant improvements can be achieved in terms of (i) broadening the light absorption wavelengths, (ii) design of active reaction sites, and (iii) control of the electron-hole (e−-h+) recombination. Accordingly, TiO2-GQDs nanocomposites exhibit promising multifunctionalities in a wide range of fields including, but not limited to, energy, biomedical aids, electronics, and flexible wearable sensors. This review presents some important aspects of TiO2-GQDs nanocomposites as photocatalysts in energy and biomedical applications. These include: (1) structural formulations and synthesis methods of TiO2-GQDs nanocomposites; (2) discourse about the mechanism behind the overall higher photoactivities of these nanocomposites; (3) various characterization techniques which can be used to judge the photocatalytic performance of these nanocomposites, and (4) the application of these nanocomposites in biomedical and energy conversion devices. Although some objectives have been achieved, new challenges still exist and hinder the widespread application of these nanocomposites. These challenges are briefly discussed in the Future Scope section of this review.
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Ouarrad H, Ramadan FZ, Drissi LB. Engineering silicon-carbide quantum dots for third generation photovoltaic cells. OPTICS EXPRESS 2020; 28:36656-36667. [PMID: 33379755 DOI: 10.1364/oe.404014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Interested in the recent development of the building up of photovoltaic devices using graphene-like quantum dots as a novel electron acceptor; we study in this work the optoelectronic properties of edge-functionalized SiC quantum dots using the first principles density functional. For an accurate quantitative estimation of key parameters, a many-body perturbation theory within GW approximation is also performmed. We examine the ability to tailor the electronic gap and optical absorption of the new class of QDs through hydroxylation and carboxylation of seam atoms, in order to improve their photovoltaic efficiency. The HOMO-LUMO energy gap was significantly altered in terms of the type, the concentration and the position of functional groups. The spatial charge separation and charge transfer characterizing our systems seem very prominent to use as dye-sensitized solar cells. Furthermore, the optical band gap of all our compounds is in the NIR-visible energy window, and exhibits a magnitude smaller than that calculated in the pristine case, which enhances the photovoltaic efficiency. Likewise, absorption curves, exciton binding energy and singlet-triplet energy splitting have been broadly modified by functionalization confirming the great luminescent yield of SiCQDs. Depending on the size, SiC quantum dots absorb light from the visible to the near-infrared region of the solar spectrum, making them suitable for third generation solar cells.
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7
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Optimization of titanium dioxide decorated by graphene quantum dot as a light scatterer for enhanced dye-sensitized solar cell performance. J Electroanal Chem (Lausanne) 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelechem.2020.114516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Kumar YR, Deshmukh K, Sadasivuni KK, Pasha SKK. Graphene quantum dot based materials for sensing, bio-imaging and energy storage applications: a review. RSC Adv 2020; 10:23861-23898. [PMID: 35517370 PMCID: PMC9055121 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra03938a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are an attractive nanomaterial consisting of a monolayer or a few layers of graphene having excellent and unique properties. GQDs are endowed with the properties of both carbon dots (CDs) and graphene. This review addresses applications of GQD based materials in sensing, bioimaging and energy storage. In the first part of the review, different approaches of GQD synthesis such as top-down and bottom-up synthesis methods have been discussed. The prime focus of this review is on green synthesis methods that have also been applied to the synthesis of GQDs. The GQDs have been discussed thoroughly for all the aspects along with their potential applications in sensors, biomedicine, and energy storage systems. In particular, emphasis is given to popular applications such as electrochemical and photoluminescence (PL) sensors, electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensors, humidity and gas sensors, bioimaging, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, supercapacitors and dye-sensitized solar cells. Finally, the challenges and the future perspectives of GQDs in the aforementioned application fields have been discussed. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are an attractive nanomaterial consisting of a monolayer or a few layers of graphene having excellent and unique properties.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Y. Ravi Kumar
- Department of Physics
- VIT-AP University
- Amaravati
- India
| | - Kalim Deshmukh
- New Technologies – Research Center
- University of West Bohemia
- Univerzitní 8
- Plzeň
- Czech Republic
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Kamedulski P, Gauden PA, Lukaszewicz JP, Ilnicka A. Effective Synthesis of Carbon Hybrid Materials Containing Oligothiophene Dyes. MATERIALS 2019; 12:ma12203354. [PMID: 31618831 PMCID: PMC6829365 DOI: 10.3390/ma12203354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This paper shows the first study of the synthesis of hybrid materials consisting of commercial Norit carbons and oligothiophenes. The study presents the influence of surface oxidation on dye deposition as well as changes of pore structure and surface chemistry. The hybrid materials were characterised using Raman spectroscopy, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and HR-TEM, respectively). Confocal microscopy was employed to confirm the immobilization of oligomers on the surface of the carbons being investigated. Confocal microscopy measurements were additionally used to indicate whether dye molecules covered the entire surface of the selected commercial Norit samples. Specific surface area and pore structure parameters were determined by low-temperature nitrogen adsorption. Additionally, elemental content and surface chemistry were characterised by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and combustion elemental analysis. Experimental results confirmed that oligothiophene dyes were adsorbed onto the internal part of the investigated pores of the carbon materials. The pores were assumed to have a slit-like shape, a set of 82 local adsorption isotherms was modelled for pores from 0.465 nm to 224 nm. Further, XPS data showed promising qualitative results regarding the surface characteristics and chemical composition of the hybrid materials obtained (sulphur content ranged from 1.40 to 1.45 at%). It was shown that the surface chemistry of activated carbon plays a key role in the dye deposition process. High surface heterogeneity after hydrothermal oxidation did not improve dye adsorption due to specific interactions between surface oxygen moieties and local electric charges in the oligothiophene molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Kamedulski
- Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Gagarina 7, 87-100 Torun, Poland.
| | - Piotr A Gauden
- Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Gagarina 7, 87-100 Torun, Poland.
| | - Jerzy P Lukaszewicz
- Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Gagarina 7, 87-100 Torun, Poland.
- Centre for Modern Interdisciplinary Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Wilenska 4, 87-100 Torun, Poland.
| | - Anna Ilnicka
- Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Gagarina 7, 87-100 Torun, Poland.
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Semeniuk M, Yi Z, Poursorkhabi V, Tjong J, Jaffer S, Lu ZH, Sain M. Future Perspectives and Review on Organic Carbon Dots in Electronic Applications. ACS NANO 2019; 13:6224-6255. [PMID: 31145587 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b00688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Over the span of the past decade, carbon dots (CDs) synthesized from renewable organic resources (organic CDs) have gathered a considerable amount of attention for their photoluminescent properties. This review will focus on organic CDs synthesized using clean chemistry and conventional synthetic chemistry from organic sources and their fluorescence mechanisms, such as quantum confinement effect and surface/edge defects, before outlining their performance in electronic applications, including organic photovoltaic devices, organic light-emitting devices, biosensors, supercapacitors, and batteries. The various organic resources and methods of organic CDs synthesis are briefly covered. Many challenges remain before the adoption of CDs can become widespread; their characterization, structure, functionality, and exact photoluminescent mechanism all require additional research. This review aims to summarize the current research outcomes and highlight the area where further research is needed to fully use these materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Semeniuk
- Centre for Biocomposites and Biomaterials Processing, Faculty of Forestry , University of Toronto , 33 Willcocks Street , Toronto , Ontario M5S 3B3 , Canada
| | - Zhihui Yi
- Centre for Biocomposites and Biomaterials Processing, Faculty of Forestry , University of Toronto , 33 Willcocks Street , Toronto , Ontario M5S 3B3 , Canada
| | - Vida Poursorkhabi
- Centre for Biocomposites and Biomaterials Processing, Faculty of Forestry , University of Toronto , 33 Willcocks Street , Toronto , Ontario M5S 3B3 , Canada
| | - Jimi Tjong
- Centre for Biocomposites and Biomaterials Processing, Faculty of Forestry , University of Toronto , 33 Willcocks Street , Toronto , Ontario M5S 3B3 , Canada
| | - Shaffiq Jaffer
- Centre for Biocomposites and Biomaterials Processing, Faculty of Forestry , University of Toronto , 33 Willcocks Street , Toronto , Ontario M5S 3B3 , Canada
| | - Zheng-Hong Lu
- Department of Material Science and Engineering , University of Toronto , 184 College Street , Toronto , Ontario M5S 3A1 , Canada
| | - Mohini Sain
- Centre for Biocomposites and Biomaterials Processing, Faculty of Forestry , University of Toronto , 33 Willcocks Street , Toronto , Ontario M5S 3B3 , Canada
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering , University of Toronto , 5 King's College Road , Toronto , Ontario M5S 3G8 , Canada
- Department of Mechanical Engineering , Beijing University of Chemical Technology (BUCT) , 100029 Beijing , P.R. China
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11
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Low-temperature titania-graphene quantum dots paste for flexible dye-sensitised solar cell applications. Electrochim Acta 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2019.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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12
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Bhandari S, Mondal D, Nataraj SK, Balakrishna RG. Biomolecule-derived quantum dots for sustainable optoelectronics. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2019; 1:913-936. [PMID: 36133200 PMCID: PMC9473190 DOI: 10.1039/c8na00332g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The diverse chemical functionalities and wide availability of biomolecules make them essential and cost-effective resources for the fabrication of zero-dimensional quantum dots (QDs, also known as bio-dots) with extraordinary properties, such as high photoluminescence quantum yield, tunable emission, photo and chemical stability, excellent aqueous solubility, scalability, and biocompatibility. The additional advantages of scalability, tunable optical features and presence of heteroatoms make them suitable alternatives to conventional metal-based semiconductor QDs in the field of bioimaging, biosensing, drug delivery, solar cells, photocatalysis, and light-emitting devices. Furthermore, a recent focus of the scientific community has been on QD-based sustainable optoelectronics due to the primary concern of partially mitigating the current energy demand without affecting the environment. Hence, it is noteworthy to focus on the sustainable optoelectronic applications of biomolecule-derived QDs, which have tunable optical features, biocompatibility and the scope of scalability. This review addresses the recent advances in the synthesis, properties, and optoelectronic applications of biomolecule-derived QDs (especially, carbon- and graphene-based QDs (C-QDs and G-QDs, respectively)) and discloses their merits and disadvantages, challenges and future prospects in the field of sustainable optoelectronics. In brief, the current review focuses on two major issues: (i) the advantages of two families of carbon nanomaterials (i.e. C-QDs and G-QDs) derived from biomolecules of various categories, for instance (a) plant extracts including fruits, flowers, leaves, seeds, peels, and vegetables; (b) simple sugars and polysaccharides; (c) different amino acids and proteins; (d) nucleic acids, bacteria and fungi; and (e) biomasses and their waste and (ii) their applications as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), display systems, solar cells, photocatalysts and photo detectors. This review will not only bring a new paradigm towards the construction of advanced, sustainable and environment-friendly optoelectronic devices using natural resources and waste, but also provides critical insights to inspire researchers ranging from material chemists and chemical engineers to biotechnologists to search for exciting developments of this field and consequently make an advance step towards future bio-optoelectronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satyapriya Bhandari
- Centre for Nano and Material Sciences, JAIN (Deemed to be University) Jain Global Campus Bangalore 562112 India
| | - Dibyendu Mondal
- Centre for Nano and Material Sciences, JAIN (Deemed to be University) Jain Global Campus Bangalore 562112 India
| | - S K Nataraj
- Centre for Nano and Material Sciences, JAIN (Deemed to be University) Jain Global Campus Bangalore 562112 India
| | - R Geetha Balakrishna
- Centre for Nano and Material Sciences, JAIN (Deemed to be University) Jain Global Campus Bangalore 562112 India
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13
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Improving of the Photovoltaic Characteristics of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Using a Photoelectrode with Electrospun Porous TiO₂ Nanofibers. NANOMATERIALS 2019; 9:nano9010095. [PMID: 30642054 PMCID: PMC6358773 DOI: 10.3390/nano9010095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Porous TiO₂ nanofibers (PTFs) and dense TiO₂ nanofibers (DTFs) were prepared using simple electrospinning for application in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). TiO₂ nanoparticles (TNPs) were prepared using a hydrothermal reaction. The as-prepared PTFs and DTFs (with a fiber diameter of around 200 nm) were mixed with TNPs such as TNP-PTF and TNP-DTF nanocomposites used in photoelectrode materials or were coated as light scattering layers on the photoelectrodes to improve the charge transfer ability and light harvesting effect of the DSSCs. The as-prepared TNPs showed a pure anatase phase, while the PTFs and DTFs showed both the anatase and rutile phases. The TNP-PTF composite (TNP:PTF = 9:1 wt.%) exhibited an enhanced short circuit photocurrent density (Jsc) of 14.95 ± 1.03 mA cm-2 and a photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE, η) of 5.4 ± 0.17% because of the improved charge transport and accessibility for the electrolyte ions. In addition, the TNP/PTF photoelectrode showed excellent light absorption in the visible region because of the mountainous nature of light induced by the PTF light scattering layer. The TNP/PTF photoelectrode showed the highest Jsc (16.96 ± 0.79 mA cm-2), η (5.9 ± 0.13%), and open circuit voltage (Voc, 0.66 ± 0.02 V).
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Barman MK, Patra A. Current status and prospects on chemical structure driven photoluminescence behaviour of carbon dots. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY C-PHOTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochemrev.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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15
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Gao F, Yang CL, Wang MS, Ma XG, Liu WW. Theoretical studies on the possible sensitizers of DSSC: Nanocomposites of graphene quantum dot hybrid phthalocyanine/tetrabenzoporphyrin/tetrabenzotriazaporphyrins/cis-tetrabenzodiazaporphyrins/tetrabenzomonoazaporphyrins and their Cu-metallated macrocycles. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2018; 195:176-183. [PMID: 29414576 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2018.01.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The feasibility of nanocomposites of cir-coronene graphene quantum dot (GQD) with phthalocyanine, tetrabenzoporphyrin, tetrabenzotriazaporphyrins, cis-tetrabenzodiazaporphyrins, tetrabenzomonoazaporphyrins and their Cu-metallated macrocycles as a sensitizer of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) are investigated. Based on the first principles density functional theory (DFT), the geometrical structures of the separate GQD and 10 macrocycles, and their hybridized nanocomposites are fully optimized. The energy stabilities of the obtained structures are confirmed by harmonic frequency analysis. The optical absorptions of the optimized structures are calculated with time-dependent DFT. The feasibility of the nanocomposites as the sensitizer of DSSC is examined by the charge spatial separation, the electron transfer, the molecular orbital energy levels of the nanocomposites and the electrolyte, and the conduction band minimum of TiO2 electrode. The results demonstrate that all the nanocomposites have enhanced absorptions in the visible light range, and their molecular orbital energies satisfy the requirement of sensitizers. However, only two of the ten considered nanocomposites demonstrate significantly charge spatial separation. The GQD-Cu-TBP is identified as the most favorable candidate sensitizer of DSSC by the most enhanced in optical absorption, obvious charge spatial separation, suitable LUMO energy levels and driving force for electron transfer, and low recombination rate of electron and hole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Gao
- School of Physics and Optoelectronics Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan-Lu Yang
- School of Physics and Optoelectronics Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, People's Republic of China.
| | - Mei-Shan Wang
- School of Physics and Optoelectronics Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Guang Ma
- School of Physics and Optoelectronics Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Wang Liu
- School of Physics and Optoelectronics Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, People's Republic of China
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16
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Fabrication of green dye-sensitized solar cell based on ZnO nanoparticles as a photoanode and graphene quantum dots as a photo-sensitizer. J Colloid Interface Sci 2018; 511:318-324. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2017.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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17
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Xu Y, Wang X, Zhang WL, Lv F, Guo S. Recent progress in two-dimensional inorganic quantum dots. Chem Soc Rev 2018; 47:586-625. [DOI: 10.1039/c7cs00500h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This review critically summarizes recent progress in the categories, synthetic routes, properties, functionalization and applications of 2D materials-based quantum dots (QDs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhong Xu
- College of Life Sciences
- Laboratory of Fiber Materials and Modern Textiles
- the Growing Base for State Key Laboratory
- Qingdao University
- Qingdao 266071
| | - Xiaoxia Wang
- College of Life Sciences
- Laboratory of Fiber Materials and Modern Textiles
- the Growing Base for State Key Laboratory
- Qingdao University
- Qingdao 266071
| | - Wen Ling Zhang
- College of Life Sciences
- Laboratory of Fiber Materials and Modern Textiles
- the Growing Base for State Key Laboratory
- Qingdao University
- Qingdao 266071
| | - Fan Lv
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- College of Engineering
- Peking University
- Beijing 100871
- China
| | - Shaojun Guo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- College of Engineering
- Peking University
- Beijing 100871
- China
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18
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Xie H, Hou C, Wang H, Zhang Q, Li Y. S, N Co-Doped Graphene Quantum Dot/TiO 2 Composites for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation. NANOSCALE RESEARCH LETTERS 2017; 12:400. [PMID: 28610393 PMCID: PMC5468181 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-017-2101-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
S, N co-doped graphene quantum dots (S,N-GQDs) coupled with P25 (TiO2) (S,N-GQD/P25) have been prepared via simply hydrothermal method. The as-prepared S,N-GQD/P25 composites exhibited excellent photocatalytic hydrogen generation activities, with a significantly extended light absorption range and superior durability without loading any noble metal cocatalyst. The photocatalytic activity of this composite under visible light (λ = 400-800 nm) was greatly improved compared with that of pure P25. This remarkable improvement in photocatalytic activity of the S,N-GQD/P25 composites can be attributed to that S,N-GQDs play a key role to enhance visible light absorption and facilitate the separation and transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes. Generally, this work could provide new insights into the facile fabrication of photocatalytic composites as high performance photocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengyi Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hongzhi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinghong Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Glasses Manufacturing Technology, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaogang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, People's Republic of China.
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Kolay A, Kokal RK, Kalluri A, Macwan I, Patra PK, Ghosal P, Deepa M. New Antimony Selenide/Nickel Oxide Photocathode Boosts the Efficiency of Graphene Quantum-Dot Co-Sensitized Solar Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2017; 9:34915-34926. [PMID: 28921953 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b09754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A novel assembly of a photocathode and a photoanode is investigated to explore their complementary effects in enhancing the photovoltaic performance of a quantum-dot solar cell (QDSC). While p-type nickel oxide (NiO) has been used previously, antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) has not been used in a QDSC, especially as a component of a counter electrode (CE) architecture that doubles as the photocathode. Here, near-infrared (NIR) light-absorbing Sb2Se3 nanoparticles (NPs) coated over electrodeposited NiO nanofibers on a carbon (C) fabric substrate was employed as the highly efficient photocathode. Quasi-spherical Sb2Se3 NPs, with a band gap of 1.13 eV, upon illumination, release photoexcited electrons in addition to other charge carriers at the CE to further enhance the reduction of the oxidized polysulfide. The p-type conducting behavior of Sb2Se3, coupled with a work function at 4.63 eV, also facilitates electron injection to polysulfide. The effect of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as co-sensitizers as well as electron conduits is also investigated in which a TiO2/CdS/GQDs photoanode structure in combination with a C-fabric CE delivered a power-conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.28%, which is a vast improvement over the 4.23% that is obtained by using a TiO2/CdS photoanode (without GQDs) with the same CE. GQDs, due to a superior conductance, impact efficiency more than Sb2Se3 NPs do. The best PCE of a TiO2/CdS/GQDs-nS2-/Sn2--Sb2Se3/NiO/C-fabric cell is 5.96% (0.11 cm2 area), which, when replicated on a smaller area of 0.06 cm2, is seen to increase dramatically to 7.19%. The cell is also tested for 6 h of continuous irradiance. The rationalization for the channelized photogenerated electron movement, which augments the cell performance, is furnished in detail in these studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Kolay
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad , Kandi 502285, Sangareddy, Telangana, India
| | - Ramesh K Kokal
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad , Kandi 502285, Sangareddy, Telangana, India
| | | | | | | | - Partha Ghosal
- Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) , Hyderabad 500058, Telangana, India
| | - Melepurath Deepa
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad , Kandi 502285, Sangareddy, Telangana, India
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20
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Enhancing the Efficiency of DSSCs by the Modification of TiO 2 Photoanodes using N, F and S, co-doped Graphene Quantum Dots. Electrochim Acta 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2017.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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21
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Gao J, Zhu M, Huang H, Liu Y, Kang Z. Advances, challenges and promises of carbon dots. Inorg Chem Front 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7qi00614d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Carbon-dots with unique physical and chemical properties have versatile applications in environmental and energy fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-based Functional Materials and Devices
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM)
- Soochow University
- Suzhou
- China
| | - Mengmeng Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-based Functional Materials and Devices
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM)
- Soochow University
- Suzhou
- China
| | - Hui Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-based Functional Materials and Devices
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM)
- Soochow University
- Suzhou
- China
| | - Yang Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-based Functional Materials and Devices
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM)
- Soochow University
- Suzhou
- China
| | - Zhenhui Kang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-based Functional Materials and Devices
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM)
- Soochow University
- Suzhou
- China
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Nouri E, Mohammadi MR, Lianos P. Impact of preparation method of TiO 2 -RGO nanocomposite photoanodes on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells. Electrochim Acta 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2016.09.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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23
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Graphene and Carbon Quantum Dot-Based Materials in Photovoltaic Devices: From Synthesis to Applications. NANOMATERIALS 2016; 6:nano6090157. [PMID: 28335285 PMCID: PMC5224641 DOI: 10.3390/nano6090157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Graphene and carbon quantum dots have extraordinary optical and electrical features because of their quantum confinement properties. This makes them attractive materials for applications in photovoltaic devices (PV). Their versatility has led to their being used as light harvesting materials or selective contacts, either for holes or electrons, in silicon quantum dot, polymer or dye-sensitized solar cells. In this review, we summarize the most common uses of both types of semiconducting materials and highlight the significant advances made in recent years due to the influence that synthetic materials have on final performance.
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Ali Tahir A, Ullah H, Sudhagar P, Asri Mat Teridi M, Devadoss A, Sundaram S. The Application of Graphene and Its Derivatives to Energy Conversion, Storage, and Environmental and Biosensing Devices. CHEM REC 2016; 16:1591-634. [PMID: 27230414 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.201500279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Graphene (GR) and its derivatives are promising materials on the horizon of nanotechnology and material science and have attracted a tremendous amount of research interest in recent years. The unique atom-thick 2D structure with sp(2) hybridization and large specific surface area, high thermal conductivity, superior electron mobility, and chemical stability have made GR and its derivatives extremely attractive components for composite materials for solar energy conversion, energy storage, environmental purification, and biosensor applications. This review gives a brief introduction of GR's unique structure, band structure engineering, physical and chemical properties, and recent energy-related progress of GR-based materials in the fields of energy conversion (e.g., photocatalysis, photoelectrochemical water splitting, CO2 reduction, dye-sensitized and organic solar cells, and photosensitizers in photovoltaic devices) and energy storage (batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors). The vast coverage of advancements in environmental applications of GR-based materials for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, gas sensing, and removal of heavy-metal ions is presented. Additionally, the use of graphene composites in the biosensing field is discussed. We conclude the review with remarks on the challenges, prospects, and further development of GR-based materials in the exciting fields of energy, environment, and bioscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asif Ali Tahir
- Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) University of Exeter Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Habib Ullah
- Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) University of Exeter Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK.
| | - Pitchaimuthu Sudhagar
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Queen's University Belfast David Keir Building, Belfast, BT9 5AG, UK.
| | - Mohd Asri Mat Teridi
- Solar Energy Research Institute National University of Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Anitha Devadoss
- College of Engineering Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.
| | - Senthilarasu Sundaram
- Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) University of Exeter Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK
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Chowdhury TH, Islam A, Mahmud Hasan AK, Terdi MAM, Arunakumari M, Prakash Singh S, Alam MK, Bedja IM, Hafidz Ruslan M, Sopian K, Amin N, Akhtaruzzaman M. Prospects of Graphene as a Potential Carrier-Transport Material in Third-Generation Solar Cells. CHEM REC 2016; 16:614-32. [DOI: 10.1002/tcr.201500206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Towhid H. Chowdhury
- Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) The National University of Malaysia; 43600 Bangi Selangor Malaysia
| | - Ashraful Islam
- Photovoltaic Materials Unit National Institute for Materials Science; 1-2-1 Sengen Tsukuba Ibaraki 305-0047 Japan
| | - A. K. Mahmud Hasan
- Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) The National University of Malaysia; 43600 Bangi Selangor Malaysia
| | - M. Asri Mat Terdi
- Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) The National University of Malaysia; 43600 Bangi Selangor Malaysia
| | - M. Arunakumari
- Inorganic and Physical Chemistry Division; CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology; Uppal road Tarnaka Hyderabad 500007 India
| | - Surya Prakash Singh
- Inorganic and Physical Chemistry Division; CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology; Uppal road Tarnaka Hyderabad 500007 India
| | - Md. Khorshed Alam
- Department of Environmental and Energy Chemistry Faculty of Engineering; Kogakuin University; 2665-1 Nakano-machi Hachioji-shi Tokyo 192-0015 Japan
| | - Idriss M. Bedja
- CRC, Optometry Department College of Applied Medical Sciences King Saud University; Riyadh 11433 Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Hafidz Ruslan
- Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) The National University of Malaysia; 43600 Bangi Selangor Malaysia
| | - Kamaruzzaman Sopian
- Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) The National University of Malaysia; 43600 Bangi Selangor Malaysia
| | - Nowshad Amin
- Dept. of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering; Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment The National University of Malaysia; 43600 Bangi Selangor (Malaysia)
| | - Md. Akhtaruzzaman
- Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) The National University of Malaysia; 43600 Bangi Selangor Malaysia
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26
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Wang X, Sun G, Li N, Chen P. Quantum dots derived from two-dimensional materials and their applications for catalysis and energy. Chem Soc Rev 2016; 45:2239-62. [DOI: 10.1039/c5cs00811e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 325] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Equipped with a wide range of extraordinary and tailorable properties, quantum dots derived from two-dimensional materials promise a spectrum of novel applications including catalysis and energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewan Wang
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
- Nanyang Technological University
- Singapore
| | - Gengzhi Sun
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
- Nanyang Technological University
- Singapore
| | - Nan Li
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
- Nanyang Technological University
- Singapore
| | - Peng Chen
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
- Nanyang Technological University
- Singapore
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27
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Ghosh T, Chatterjee S, Prasad E. Photoinduced Electron Transfer from Various Aniline Derivatives to Graphene Quantum Dots. J Phys Chem A 2015; 119:11783-90. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.5b08522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tufan Ghosh
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600 036, India
| | - Swarupa Chatterjee
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600 036, India
| | - Edamana Prasad
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600 036, India
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28
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Wang W, Damm C, Walter J, Nacken TJ, Peukert W. Photobleaching and stabilization of carbon nanodots produced by solvothermal synthesis. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2015; 18:466-75. [PMID: 26616577 DOI: 10.1039/c5cp04942c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In this work we performed a detailed investigation of the photostability of bottom-up produced carbon nanodots (CDs) prepared from citric acid and urea by solvothermal synthesis. Analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) reveals that the CDs have a hydrodynamic diameter of <1 nm and a very narrow size distribution. In the community it is widely assumed that CDs are photo-stable. In contrast, we found that CDs exposed to UV-irradiation exhibit noteworthy fluorescence degeneration compared to freshly prepared CDs or CDs stored in the dark, indicating that fluorescence bleaching is caused by a photochemical process. We found that fluorescence intensity decay due to exposure to UV-irradiation is accelerated in the presence of oxygen and identified the surface status of CDs as the decisive factor of fluorescence bleaching of CDs. Based on a discussion on the underlying mechanisms we show how to avoid photobleaching of CDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenshuo Wang
- Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Institute of Particle Technology, Cauerstrasse 4, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
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29
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Jin Z, Owour P, Lei S, Ge L. Graphene, graphene quantum dots and their applications in optoelectronics. Curr Opin Colloid Interface Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cocis.2015.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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30
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Charge and energy transfer interplay in hybrid sensitized solar cells mediated by graphene quantum dots. Electrochim Acta 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2014.11.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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