Fluorescent Pigments Based on Carbon Quantum Dots: Synthesis methods and Applications

Document Type : Review paper

Authors

1 Faculty of Polymer Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, P. O. Box: 1996-51335, Tabriz, Iran

2 Faculty of Polymer Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, P. O. Box: 1996-51335, Tabriz, Iran.

Abstract

The first generation of quantum dots was synthesized based on inorganic materials and was so harmful to human beings, animals, and organisms. Therefore, the researchers synthesized and investigated a new generation of fluorescent materials named carbon quantum dots. They have more fluorescence intensity and no harmful effects on any living. Carbon quantum dots are a type of fluorescent material with a size between 2 to 10 nm. They can be synthesized using different synthesis methods like hydrothermal, microwave-assisted, synthesis simple heating using reflux, pyrolysis, carbonization, and other synthesizing methods via two different synthesizing approaches named top-down method and bottom-up method. These materials can be used in different applications like bioimaging, biosensors, drug delivery systems, solar cells, LEDs, chemical sensors, etc. Another important application of these nanomaterials is using them as anti-counterfeiting inks for security reasons like security printings, and bank-related documents like cheques, etc. This paper will briefly look at carbon quantum dots, the synthesis methods, and their applications.

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Main Subjects


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