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Enhancing the Red Fluorescence of Carbon Dots: The Role of Mn Doping and Precursor Concentration Control

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Abstract

Carbon dots (CDs) have garnered significant attention owing to their fluorescence properties and biocompatibility, especially red fluorescent CDs for bio-imaging and optoelectronics. However, existing red fluorescent carbon dots exhibit limitations regarding shorter red wavelengths, lower fluorescence intensities, and complex preparation procedures. This paper employed the microwave method to synthesize four water-soluble red fluorescent carbon dots, utilizing p-phenylenediamine and urea as precursors. By doping with manganese and adjusting the precursor concentration, we enhanced the intensity and the wavelength of red fluorescence under 365 nm UV light. The manganese-decorated carbon dots (Mn-CDs) showed a 32 nm redshift compared to the original carbon dots (O-CDs). The manganese-decorated/precursor concentration changed carbon dots (Mn/P-CDs) had four times higher intensity and 677 nm wavelength. The enhancement was mainly due to the increased nitrogen content from manganese addition and the decreased precursor concentration. We also synthesized composite polyfluorescent films with four CDs as pigments, exhibiting excellent transparency, flexibility, and luminescence in various media. Importantly, we demonstrated that their luminescent properties remained intact across multiple media. This study provides a valuable method for high-quality red CDs synthesis and a novel perspective for their applications.

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Acknowledgements

This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (22208161) and the Students Practice Innovation and Training Program of Nanjing Forestry University(2022NFUSPITP0342).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China

    Guanzhou Liu, Tian Li, Zheng Li, Zengjing Li, Chao Liu & Qi Wang

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  1. Guanzhou Liu
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  2. Tian Li
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  3. Zheng Li
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  4. Zengjing Li
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  5. Chao Liu
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  6. Qi Wang
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Contributions

Q.W conceptualized this study. GZ.L. conducted the trials with assistance from T.L, Z.L, and ZJ.L. GZ.L get experimental data with assistance from Z.L. GZ.L and T.L performed the data analysis with advice from C.L. GZ.L and ZJ.L wrote the manuscript and drew figures. All authors revised the manuscript

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Correspondence to Chao Liu or Qi Wang.

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Liu, G., Li, T., Li, Z. et al. Enhancing the Red Fluorescence of Carbon Dots: The Role of Mn Doping and Precursor Concentration Control. J Inorg Organomet Polym (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10904-024-03141-0

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