Kilogram-scale synthesis of carbon quantum dots for hydrogen evolution,sensing and bioimaging

A facile, low-cost, green, kilogram-scale synthesis of high quality CQDs were synthesized. The throughput of CQDs is 1.4975 kg in one pot and the as-prepared CQDs have a highly crystalline hexagonal structure with remarkable solubility, stability, and biocompatibility. It showed outstanding electrocatalytic activity, Fe³⁺ sensitivity and good biocompatibility.     

Synthesis and bioimaging application of red-emissive carbon dots

Fluorescent red-emissive carbon dots (RCDs) were synthesized using the solvothermal method with citric acid as a carbon source, N,N-dimethylformamide as a nitrogen source, and formamide as a solvent. The as-synthesized RCDs show red fluorescence in an aqueous solution and have an excellent stability towards photobleaching as well as extremely low cytotoxicity and are successfully used for cell and zebrafish imaging. The results indicate that RCDs have potential applications in both in vitro and in vivo bioimaging.     

Carbon quantum dots from natural resource: A review

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are a new class of fluorescence small carbon nanoparticles with a particle size of less than 10 nm and have vast applications in the field of bioimaging, biosensing and disease-detection. These are promising materials for nano-biotechnology since it has smaller particle size, excellent biocompatibility and excitation wavelength dependent photoluminescence (PL) behavior, photo induced electron transfer, chemical inertness and low toxicity. These materials have excellent fluorescent properties such as broad excitation spectra, narrow and tunable emission spectra, and high photostability against photo bleaching and blinking than other fluorescent semiconductor quantum dots. This review article demonstrate the recent progress in the synthesis, functionalization and technical applications of carbon quantum dots using electrochemical oxidation, combustion/thermal, chemical change, microwave heating, arc-discharge, and laser ablation methods from various natural resources. Natural carbon sources are used for the preparation of CQDs due to its low cost, environmental friendly and widely available.     

The green synthesis of carbon quantum dots and applications for sulcotrione detection and anti-pathogen activities

In this study, we synthesized simple, cheap, and stable nitrogen (N)-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) from Moringa oleifera roots. The N-CQDs exhibited an intense blue fluorescence and a quantum yield (QY) of up to 43.4%. When excited at 350 nm, the highest generated wavelength was observed at 445 nm. These N-CQDs were then successfully used to detect sulcotrione (limit of detection = 2 μg/mL); the method was reliable and exhibited good feasibility for measurements in real samples. When the N-CQDs concentration was 11.0 μL/mL, inhibitory rates against the pathogens, Corynespora cassiicola and Phytophtora nicotianae were 82.8% and 75.3%, respectively. To investigate N-CQDs safety for plant growth, different concentrations were investigated using sorghum seedlings, with N-CQDs exhibiting very low toxicity toward plant growth. Thus, these findings provide a basis for the development of N-CQDs as green pesticides.     

Nanocomposite hydrogels based on carbon dots and polymers

Nanocomposite hydrogels based on carbon dots(CDs) and polymers have emerged as new materials with integrated properties of individual components,leading to their important applications in the field of soft nanomaterials.This perspective highlights recent advances in the development of nanocomposite hydrogels from CDs and polymers.We review the preparation methods of nanocomposite hydrogels based on CDs and polymers,and emerging applications of these nanocomposite hydrogels such as environmental ...     

A novel phosphorus oxide quantum dots as an emissive nanomaterial for inorganic ions screening and bioimaging

In this work, a novel blue-green fluorescence phosphorous oxide quantum dots (PO QDs) was synthesized by solvothermal method in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solution without any protection treatment during synthesis. Upon excitation at 400 nm, PO QDs emitted blue-green fluorescence with quantum yield of 0.28. PO QDs exhibited the high inertness to air or moisture, the excellent water solubility, and stable emission intensity in a wide pH range and in high ionic strength solution. Interestingly, PO QDs could give the positive optical response to iron ions (Fe³⁺) and iodine ion (I⁻). The photoluminescence (PL) of PO QDs could be directly quenched by Fe³⁺. While I⁻ quenched the PO QDs PL by means of Ag⁺-mediated PO QDs system via the internal filtration effects (IFE) induced by the formation of AgI. Moreover, the biocompatibility and low toxicity of PO QDs verified in bean sprout and Hela cells indicated the promising application of PO QDs in medicine related fields. Furthermore, PO QDs could also be utilized in luminescent composite film for various application scenarios     

Bio-safety assessment of carbon quantum dots,N-doped and folic acid modified carbon quantum dots: A systemic comparison

The carbon quantum dots(CQDs) and their functionalized materials are promising in biomedical field because of their unique properties;meanwhile,a growing concern has been raised about the potential toxicity of these modified materials in biosystem.In this study,we synthesized original CQDs and two common functionalized CQDs including N-doped CQDs(NCQDs) and folic acid-modified CQDs(FACQDs),and compared the toxicity and biocompatibility with each other in vitro and in vivo.L929,C6 and normal cell MDCK were selected to detect the adverse reaction of these materials in vitro.No acute toxicity or obvious changes were noted from in vitro cytotoxicity studies with the dose of these CQD materials increasing to a high concentration at 1 mg/mL.Among these materials,the FA-CQDs show a much lower toxicity.Moreover,in vivo toxicity studies were performed on the nude mice for 15 days.The experimental animals in 10 or 15 mg/kg groups were similar with animals treated by phosphate buffer solution(PBS) after 15 days.The results of the multifa rious biochemical parameters also suggest that the functionalized products of CQDs do not influence the biological indicators at feasible concentration.Our findings in vitro and in vivo through toxicity tests demonstrate that CQDs and their modified materials are safe for future biological applications.     

Layered MoS2@graphene functionalized with nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots as an enhanced electrochemical hydrogen evolution catalyst

Layered MoS₂@graphene functionalized with nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (MoS₂@NGQDs-GR) was obtained by one-pot hydrothermal method, as an enhanced electrochemical hydrogen evolution catalyst.     

Fabrication of carbon quantum dots via ball milling and their application to bioimaging

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with an average diameter of 3 nm, exhibiting blue photoluminescence, have been obtained from commercial conductive carbon black by a cost-effective and straightforward exfoliation method using dry ball milling in the presence of sodium carbonate. As a secondary abrasive medium, sodium carbonate provides effective exfoliation of carbon black with a high degree of CQD graphitization and plays an essential role in the functionalization of CQDs with oxygen groups. Due to the low toxicity of CQDs against HeLa cancer cells (cell viability above 90% at a CQD concentration of 200 μg cm⁻³) and the ability to penetrate cells and emit blue light, CQDs are possibly suitable for biological imaging of cells.     

Rational design of ternary NiS/CQDs/ZnIn2S4 nanocomposites as efficient noble-metal-free photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution under visible light

The NiS/CQDs nanocomposite (CQDs represents carbon quantum dots), with a mass ratio of NiS/CQDs to be 1.19:1 based on the ICP result, was obtained via a facile hydrothermal method from a mixture of CQDs, Ni(OAc)₂ and Na₂S. The self-assembly of ZnIn₂S₄ microspheres on the surface of NiS/CQDs was realized under microwave conditions to obtain a ternary NiS/CQDs/ZnIn₂S₄ nanocomposite. The as-obtained NiS/CQDs/ZnIn₂S₄ nanocomposite was fully characterized, and its photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation was investigated. The ternary NiS/CQDs/ZnIn₂S₄ nanocomposite showed superior photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution than ternary CQDs/NiS/ZnIn₂S₄, which was obtained by deposition of NiS in the preformed CQDs/ZnIn₂S₄. The superior photocatalytic performance of ternary NiS/CQDs/ZnIn₂S₄ is ascribed to the introduction of CQDs, which act as a bridge to promote the vectorial transfer of photo-generated electrons from ZnIn₂S₄ to NiS. This result suggests that the rational design and fabrication of ternary CQDs-based systems are important for the efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. This study provides a strategy for developing highly efficient noble-metal-free photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution using CQDs as a bridge to promote the charge transfer in the nanocomposite.     

Electrogenerated chemiluminescence from thiol-capped CdTe quantum dots and its sensing application in aqueous solution

In this paper, the electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) from thiol-capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) was reported. The ECL emission was occurred at −1.1 V and reached a maximum value at −2.4 V when the potential was cycled between 0.0 and −2.5 V. The reduced species of CdTe QDs could react with the coreactants to produce the ECL emission. The CdTe QD concentration (6.64 × 10⁻⁷ mol L⁻¹) of ECL is lower than that (1.0 × 10⁻³ mol L⁻¹) of chemiluminescence (CL). Based on the enhancement of light emission from thiol-capped CdTe QDs by H₂O₂ in the negative electrode potential, a novel method for the determination of H₂O₂ was developed. The light intensity was linearly proportional to the concentration of H₂O₂ between 2.0 × 10⁻⁷ and 1.0 × 10⁻⁵ mol L⁻¹ with a detection limit of 6.0 × 10⁻⁸ mol L⁻¹. Compared with most of previous reports, the proposed method has higher sensitivity for the determination of H₂O₂. In addition, the ECL spectrum of thiol-capped CdTe QDs exhibited a peak at around 620 nm, which was substantially red shifted from the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum, suggesting the surface states play an important role in this ECL process.     

Perspectives of magnetic nature carbon dots in analytical chemistry: From separation to detection and bioimaging

Magnetic nature carbon dots (MNCDs) are fast growing materials with extremely unique physico-chemical properties and physiological ability to extend their applications from separation science to detection and bio-/magnetic resonance imaging applications. Recent studies have revealed that the MNCDs are significantly used as promising agents in analytical chemistry for the separation and identification of trace level target analytes. Further, the MNCDs have been used as probes for bioimaging of cells and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of tumors. Due to the lack of comprehensive reviews in this emerging field especially MNCDs applications in analytical chemistry, this review may provide quick guide and reference on the MNCDs-based analytical approaches for the separation and detection of trace level analytes, and bio- and MR- imaging of various cells. In this review article, we will summarize the synthetic approaches for the fabrication of MNCDs. The main part of this proposed review is devoted to the tremendous applications of MNCDs (Fe₃O₄@CDs, metal ion (Fe³⁺, Mn²⁺, Co²⁺ and Gd²⁺)-doped CDs, MnO₂@CDs) in analytical chemistry from separation science to detection and bio- and MR imaging. Finally, we will explore the challenges and future prospects of magneto fluorescent carbon dots in biomedical applications.     

Carbon dots from tryptophan doped glucose for peroxynitrite sensing

Tryptophan doped carbon dots (Trp-CD) were microwave synthesized. The optimum conditions of synthesizing of the Trp-CD were established by response surface multivariate optimization methodologies and were the following: 2.5 g of glucose and 300 mg of tryptophan diluted in 15 mL of water exposed for 5 min to a microwave radiation of 700 W. Trp-CD have an average size of 20 nm, were fluorescent with a quantum yield of 12.4% and the presence of peroxynitrite anion (ONOO⁻) provokes quenching of the fluorescence. The evaluated analytical methodology for ONOO⁻ detection shows a linear response range from 5 to 25 μM with a limit of detection of 1.5 μM and quantification of 4.9 μM. The capability of the ONOO⁻ quantification was evaluated in standard solutions and in fortified serum samples.     

Recent advances in autofluorescence-free biosensing and bioimaging based on persistent luminescence nanoparticles

Persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs) are a series of emerging luminescent nanomaterials which can emit persistently after ceasing the external excitation. Due to the long decay time of persistent luminescence, the background autofluorescence in complex sample and tissues can be effectively eliminated, thus significantly improving the sensitivity of bioanalysis. Besides, such a long decay time of luminescence also makes PLNPs valuable for long-term bioimaging. Benefiting from these merits, PLNPs have been widely used for biomedical applications, especially biosensing and bioimaging. In this review, we conclude the progress in the application of PLNPs at biosensing and bioimaging in recent years, and also provide our understanding of the prospects.     

Ultrasensitive cysteine sensing using citrate-capped CdS quantum dots

The importance of cysteine (Cys) in biological systems has stimulated a great deal of efforts in the development of analytical methods for the determination of this amino acid. In this work, a novel fluorescent probe for Cys based on citrate (Cit)-capped CdS quantum dots (QDs) is reported. The Cit-capped CdS QDs fluorescent probe offers good sensitivity and selectivity for detecting Cys. A good linear relationship was obtained from 1.0 × 10⁻⁸ mol L⁻¹ to 5.0 × 10⁻⁵ mol L⁻¹ for Cys. The detection limit was calculated as 5.4 × 10⁻⁹ mol L⁻¹. The proposed method was applied to detect Cys in human urine samples, which showed satisfactory results. This assay is based on both the lability of Cit and the strong affinity of thiols to the surface of CdS QDs. The addition of Cys improved the passivation of the surface traps of CdS QDs and enhanced the fluorescence intensity.     

Fluorescent blood glucose monitor by hemin-functionalized graphene quantum dots based sensing system

In the present work, a highly sensitive and specific fluorescent biosensor for blood glucose monitoring is developed based on hemin-functionalized graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and glucose oxidase (GOx) system. The GQDs which are simply prepared by pyrolyzing citric acid exhibit strong fluorescence and good water-solubility. Due to the noncovalent assembly between hemin and GQDs, the addition of hemin can make hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) to destroy the passivated surface of GQDs, leading to significant fluorescence quenching of GQDs. Based on this effect, a novel fluorescent platform is proposed for the sensing of glucose. Under the optimized conditions, the linear range of glucose is from 9 to 300 μM, and the limit of detection is 0.1 μM. As unique properties of GQDs, the proposed biosensor is green, simple, cost-efficient, and it is successfully applied to the determination of glucose in human serum. In addition, the proposed method provides a new pathway to further design the biosensors based on the assembly of GQDs with hemin for detection of biomolecules.     

ZnIn2S4 flowerlike microspheres embedded with carbon quantum dots for efficient photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI)

Development of efficient heterostructured photocatalysts that respond to visible light remains a considerable challenge. We herein show the synthesis of ZnIn₂S₄/carbon quantum dot hybrid photocatalysts with flowerlike microspheres via a facile solvothermal method. The ZnIn₂S₄/carbon quantum dot flowerlike microspheres display enhanced photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical activity compared with that of pure ZnIn₂S₄. With a content of only 0.5 wt % carbon quantum dots, 93% of Cr(VI) is reduced under visible-light irradiation at 40 min. As a co-catalyst, the carbon quantum dots improve the light absorption and lengthen the lifetime of charge carriers, consequently enhancing the photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical activity.     

Mn,B, N co-doped graphene quantum dots for fluorescence sensing and biological imaging

The fluorescent and quantum yield (QY) of graphene quantum dots has been improved in recent years by doped atoms, which have good application prospects in fluorescence sensors and biological imaging. Here, a one-step hydrothermal synthesis method was used to synthesize manganese ions bonded with boron and nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (Mn-BN-GQDs). Compared with the boron and nitrogen co-doping graphene quantum dots (BN-GQDs), the fluorescence properties and quantum yield of Mn-BN-GQDs are significantly improved. Meanwhile, Mn-BN-GQDs exhibit low toxicity and good fluorescence imaging in living cells and has high selectivity to Fe³⁺ ions. Therefore, this experiment design Mn-BN-GQDs as a fluorescence sensor to detect Fe³⁺ ions, providing strong evidence for the advanced high sensitivity, selectivity and wide detection range of the Mn-BN-GQDs as a fluorescence sensor. These results indicate a dual linear relationship with good linear relationships in the 10–100 μM and 100–800 μM ranges, and limit of detection are 0.78 μM and 9.08 μM, respectively. Cellular imaging results demonstrate that Mn-BN-GQDs can be used as fluorescence sensors in biological imaging. Mn-BN-GQDs can be used for fluorescence sensing in biological imaging in combination with low toxicity, QY and quantum dot lifetime.     

量子点的制备及应用研究进展

综述了量子点的制备方法以及在分析检测、生物、药学、光电器材、指纹显现等领域的应用.指出量子点是一种新型的荧光纳米材料,因其具有独特的光电性质而引起了广泛的关注;并就它的发展方向及应用前景进行了展望.     

Ratiometric fluorescence detection of mercuric ion based on the nanohybrid of fluorescence carbon dots and quantum dots

A novel nanohybrid ratiometric fluorescence probe comprised of carbon dots (C-dots) and hydrophilic CdSe@ZnS quantum dots (QDs) has been developed by simply mixing the blue-emission C-dots with red-emission carboxylmethyldithiocarbamate modified CdSe@ZnS QDs (GDTC-QDs). The nanohybrid ratiometric fluorescence probe exhibits dual emissions at 436 nm and 629 nm under a single excitation wavelength. Due to the strong chelating ability of GDTC on the surface of QDs to mercuric ion (Hg²⁺), the fluorescence of the GDTC-QDs in the nanohybrid system could be selectively quenched in the presence of Hg²⁺ while the fluorescence of the C-dots remained constant, resulting in an obviously distinguishable fluorescence color evolution (from red to blue) of the nanohybrid system. The detection limit of this method was found to be as low as 0.1 μM. Furthermore, the recovery result for Hg²⁺ in real samples including tap water and lake water by this method was satisfying, suggesting its potential application for Hg²⁺ sensing.