Interfacing Carbon Dots for Charge‐Transfer Processes. Issue 48 (1st February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stergiou, Anastasios; Tagmatarchis, Nikos
• Is Part Of: Small. Volume 17:Issue 48(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-02-01
• Subjects: carbon dots -- charge‐transfer -- donor‐acceptor -- functionalization; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanoparticles -- Periodicals; Microtechnology -- Periodicals; 620.5
• DOI: 10.1002/smll.202006005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1613-6810

Abstract

Abstract: Carbon dots (CDs) are a booming material and the most recent incomer in the big family of carbon nanostructures. Specifically, CDs are nanosized fluorescent core‐shell nanoparticles with tunable absorption and emission spectra, with high solubility in aqueous media and common organic solvents. Herein, the origins and the development of these unique nanoscale structures are discussed, key synthetic routes are briefly described, and the utilization of CDs in light‐induced charge‐transfer schemes is mainly focused upon. Beyond the impact of the CD's surface on the photoluminescence properties, functionalization, by covalent or supramolecular means, permits controllable incorporation of new functionalities with novel photophysical properties. Furthermore, the dual nature of CDs as electron donating or electron accepting species, unveiled upon interfacing them with organic chromophores, highlights their potentiality in managing diverse charge‐transfer processes. Novel mechanisms, such as symmetry‐breaking photoinduced charge‐transfer can be activated upon covalent functionalization of CDs with organic dyes. Without a doubt, participation of CDs in energy conversion schemes opens up a wide avenue that may lead to the development of novel prototype devices suitable for technological applications and related to photonics and optoelectronics. Abstract : Carbon dots (CDs) have emerged as versatile candidates for charge‐transfer processes showing pivotal characteristics for energy applications. Interfacing CDs with organic molecules and nanostructured materials enables full exploitation of their function in charge‐transfer processes as electron accepting/donating materials. Tailoring their photophysical and structural properties and revealing the structure‐properties relation are ongoing challenges en route to practical applications.