Achieving high-efficient photocatalytic persulfate-activated degradation of tetracycline via carbon dots modified MIL-101(Fe)octahedrons

The synergistic reaction of photocatalysis and advanced oxidation is a valid strategy for the degradation of harmful antibiotic wastewater.Herein,carbon dots(CDs)modified MIL-101(Fe)octahedrons to form CDs/MIL-101(Fe)composite photocatalyst was synthesized for visible light-driven photocatalytic/persulfate(PS)-activated tetracycline(TC)degradation.The electron spin resonance(ESR)spectra,scavenging experiment and electrochemical analysis were carried out to reveal that the high visible light-driven photocatalytic degradation activity of TC over CDs/MIL-101(Fe)photocatalysts is not only ascribed to the production of free active radicals in the CDs/MIL-101(Fe)/PS system(·OH,·SO_(4-),^(1)O_(2),h^(+)and·O_(2)^(-))but also attributed to the consumption of electrons caused by the PS,which can suppress the recombination of photo-generated carriers as well as strong light scattering and electron trapping effects of CDs.Finally,the possible degradation pathways were proposed by analyzing intermediates via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry technique.This research presents a rational design conception to construct a CDs/PS-based photocatalysis/advanced oxidation technology with high-efficient degradation activity for the remediation of organic antibiotic pollutant wastewater and for the improvement of carrier transport kinetics of photocatalysts.

NH_(3)‑Induced In Situ Etching Strategy Derived 3D‑Interconnected Porous MXene/Carbon Dots Films for High Performance Flexible Supercapacitors

2D MXene(Ti_(3)CNT_(x))has been considered as the most promising electrode material for flexible supercapacitors owing to its metallic conductivity,ultra-high capacitance,and excellent flexibility.However,it suffers from a severe restacking problem during the electrode fabrication process,limiting the ion transport kinetics and the accessibility of ions in the electrodes,especially in the direction normal to the electrode surface.Herein,we report a NH_(3)-induced in situ etching strategy to fabricate 3D-interconnected porous MXene/carbon dots(p-MC)films for high-performance flexible supercapacitor.The pre-intercalated carbon dots(CDs)first prevent the restacking of MXene to expose more inner electrochemical active sites.The partially decomposed CDs generate NH_(3)for in situ etching of MXene nanosheets toward 3D-interconnected p-MC films.Benefiting from the structural merits and the 3D-interconnected ionic transmission channels,p-MC film electrodes achieve excellent gravimetric capacitance(688.9 F g^(-1)at 2 A g^(-1))and superior rate capability.Moreover,the optimized p-MC electrode is assembled into an asymmetric solid-state flexible supercapacitor with high energy density and superior cycling stability,demonstrating the great promise of p-MC electrode for practical applications.

Functionalized carbon dots for corrosion protection:Recent advances and future perspectives

Metal corrosion causes significant economic losses,safety issues,and environmental pollution.Hence,its prevention is of immense research interest.Carbon dots(CDs)are a new class of zero-dimensional carbon nanomaterials,which have been considered for corrosion protection applications in recent years due to their corrosion inhibition effect,fluorescence,low toxicity,facile chemical modification,and cost-effectiveness.This study provides a comprehensive overview of the synthesis,physical and chemical properties,and anticorrosion mechanisms of functionalized CDs.First,the corrosion inhibition performance of different types of CDs is introduced,followed by discussion on their application in the development of smart protective coatings with self-healing and/or self-reporting properties.The effective barrier formed by CDs in the coatings can inhibit the spread of local damage and achieve self-healing behavior.In addition,diverse functional groups on CDs can interact with Fe^(3+)and H^(+)ions generated during the corrosion process;this interaction changes their fluorescence,thereby demonstrating self-reporting behavior.Moreover,challenges and prospects for the development of CD-based corrosion protection systems are also presented.

Surface passivation by multifunctional carbon dots toward highly efficient and stable inverted perovskite solar cells

Interfacial imperfections between the perovskite layer and the electron transport layer(ETL)in perovskite solar cells(PSCs)can lead to performance loss and negatively influence long-term operational stability.Here,we introduce an interface engineering method to modify the interface between perovskite and ETL by using multifunctional carbon dots(CDs).C=O in the CDs can chelate with the uncoordinated Pb2+in the perovskite material,inhibit interfacial recombination,and enhance the performance and stability of device.In addition,–OH in CDs forms hydrogen bonds with I-and organic cation in perovskite,inhibiting light-induced I2release and organic cation volatilization,causing irreversible degradation of perovskite films,thereby enhancing the long-term operational stability of PSCs.Consequently,we achieve the champion inverted device with an efficiency of 24.02%.The CDs-treated PSCs exhibit high operational stability,and the maximum power point tracking only attenuates by 12.5%after 1000 h.Interfacial modification engineering supported by multifunctional quantum dots can accelerate the road to stable PSCs.

Controllable Synthesis of Fluorescent Carbon Dots and Their Detection Application as Nanoprobes

Carbon dots(CDs), as a new member of carbon nanomaterial family, have aroused great interest since their discovery in 2004. Because of their outstanding water solubility, high sensitivity and selectivity to target analytes, low toxicity, favorable biocompatibility, and excellent photostability, researchers from diverse disciplines have come together to further develop the fundamental properties of CDs. Many methods for the production of CDs have been reported, therein, hydrothermal and solvothermal technology needs simple equipments, and microwave synthesis needs less reaction time, hence these methods become current common synthesis methods, in which many precursors have been applied to produce CDs. Due to their excellent fluorescence, CDs have made impressive strides in sensitivity and selectivity to a diverse array of salt ions,organic/biological molecules and target gases. The development of CDs as nanoprobes is still in its infancy, but continued progress may lead to their integration into environmental and biological applications. Hydrothermal,solvothermal, and microwave synthesis of fluorescent carbon dots and their detection applications as nanoprobes in salt ions, organic/biological molecules, and target gases will be reviewed.

Biogreen Synthesis of Carbon Dots for Biotechnology and Nanomedicine Applications

Over the past decade, carbon dots have ignited a burst of interest in many different fields, including nanomedicine, solar energy, optoelectronics, energy storage,and sensing applications, owing to their excellent photoluminescence properties and the easiness to modify their optical properties through doping and functionalization. In this review, the synthesis, structural and optical properties,as well as photoluminescence mechanisms of carbon dots are first reviewed and summarized. Then, we describe a series of designs for carbon dot-based sensors and the different sensing mechanisms associated with them.Thereafter, we elaborate on recent research advances on carbon dot-based sensors for the selective and sensitive detection of a wide range of analytes, including heavy metals, cations, anions, biomolecules, biomarkers,nitroaromatic explosives, pollutants, vitamins, and drugs.Lastly, we provide a concluding perspective on the overall status, challenges, and future directions for the use of carbon dots in real-life sensing.

Corrosion protection investigations of carbon dots and polydopamine composite coating on magnesium alloy

A composite coating of nitrogen-doped carbon dots(N–CDs)and polydopamine(PDA)was prepared on magnesium alloy by combining electrodeposition with dip coating methods.The microstructure of the N–CDs/PDA composite coating,including composition,surface morphology,and crystalline structure,is characterized by Raman spectroscopy,scanning electron microscopy,transmission electron microscopy,and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,respectively.The corrosion protection performances of the composite coating are evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization tests,electrochemical impedance spectroscopy,and salt spray tests.The effect of the particle size of the N–CDs on the corrosion performance is also investigated.The results show that the corrosion performance of the N–CDs coatings are enhanced with the increase of the particle sizes.Furthermore,an obvious self-healing performance is observed on the surface of the N–CDs/PDA composite coating.These results indicate that N–CDs/PDA composite coating can improve the corrosion performance of the Mg alloy,and open a new design direction for the protective coating of metallic materials.

Interface electron collaborative migration of Co–Co3O4/carbon dots:Boosting the hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane

Ammonia borane(AB)is an excellent candidate for the chemical storage of hydrogen.However,its practical utilization for hydrogen production is hindered by the need for expensive noble-metal-based catalysts.Herein,we report Co-Co3O4 nanoparticles(NPs)facilely deposited on carbon dots(CDs)as a highly efficient,robust,and noble-metal-free catalyst for the hydrolysis of AB.The incorporation of the multiinterfaces between Co,Co3O4 NPs,and CDs endows this hybrid material with excellent catalytic activity(rB=6816 mLH2 min^-1 gCo^-1)exceeding that of previous non-noble-metal NP systems and even that of some noble-metal NP systems.A further mechanistic study suggests that these interfacial interactions can affect the electronic structures of interfacial atoms and provide abundant adsorption sites for AB and water molecules,resulting in a low energy barrier for the activation of reactive molecules and thus substantial improvement of the catalytic rate.

Green and Near-Infrared Dual-Mode Afterglow of Carbon Dots and Their Applications for Confidential Information Readout

Near-infrared(NIR),particularly NIR-containing dual-/multimode afterglow,is very attractive in many fields of application,but it is still a great challenge to achieve such property of materials. Herein,we report a facile method to prepare green and NIR dual-mode afterglow of carbon dots(CDs) through in situ embedding o-CDs(being prepared from o-phenylenediamine) into cyanuric acid(CA) matrix(named o-CDs@CA). Further studies reveal that the green and NIR afterglows of o-CDs@CA originate from thermal activated delayed fluorescence(TADF) and room temperature phosphorescence(RTP) of o-CDs,respectively. In addition,the formation of covalent bonds between o-CDs and CA,and the presence of multiple fixation and rigid e ects to the triplet states of o-CDs are confirmed to be critical for activating the observed dual-mode afterglow. Due to the shorter lifetime and insensitiveness to human vision of the NIR RTP of o-CDs@CA,it is completely covered by the green TADF during directly observing. The NIR RTP signal,however,can be readily captured if an optical filter(cut-o wavelength of 600 nm) being used. By utilizing these unique features,the applications of o-CDs@CA in anti-counterfeiting and information encryption have been demonstrated with great confidentiality. Finally,the as-developed method was confirmed to be applicable to many other kinds of CDs for achieving or enhancing their afterglow performances.

Solar-Driven Hydrogen Peroxide Production Using Polymer-Supported Carbon Dots as Heterogeneous Catalyst

Safe, sustainable, and green production of hydro gen peroxide is an exciting proposition due to the role of hydrogen peroxide as a green oxidant and energy carrier for fuel cells. The current work reports the development of carbon dot-impregnated waterborne hyperbranched polyurethane as a heterogeneous photo-catalyst for solar-driven production of hydrogen peroxide. The results reveal that the carbon dots possess a suitable band-gap of 2.98 eV,which facilitates effective splitting of both water and ethanol under solar irradiation. Inclusion of the carbon dots within the eco-friendly polymeric material ensures their catalytic activity and also provides a facile route for easy catalyst separation, especially from a solubilizing medium.The overall process was performed in accordance with the principles of green chemistry using bio-based precursorsand aqueous medium. This work highlights the potential of carbon dots as an effective photo-catalyst.

Carbon dots regulate the interface electron transfer and catalytic kinetics of Pt-based alloys catalyst for highly efficient hydrogen oxidation

The regulation of interface electron-transfer and catalytic kinetics is very important to design the efficient electrocatalyst for alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction(HOR).Here,we show the Pt-Ni alloy nanoparticles(PtNi_(2))have an enhanced HOR activity compared with single component Pt catalyst.While,the interface electron-transfer kinetics of PtNi_(2)catalyst exhibits a very wide electron-transfer speed distribution.When combined with carbon dots(CDs),the interface charge transfer of PtNi_(2)-CDs composite is optimized,and then the PtNi_(2)-5 mg CDs exhibits about 2.67 times and 4.04 times higher mass and specific activity in 0.1 M KOH than that of 20%commercial Pt/C.In this system,CDs also contribute to trapping H^(+)and H_(2)O generated during HOR,tuning hydrogen binding energy(HBE),and regulating interface electron transfer.This work provides a deep understanding of the interface catalytic kinetics of Pt-based alloys towards highly efficient HOR catalysts design.

Biomass-Derived Carbon Dots and Their Applications

Carbon dots(CDs) have received much attention due to their superior properties including water solubility, low toxicity, biocompatibility, small size,fluorescence, and ease of modification. The use of a more environmentally friendly method to prepare high-quality CDs is still an urgent question waiting for solve. The use of renewable, inexpensive, and green biomass resources not only meets the urgent need for large-scale synthesis biomass CDs(BCDs), but also promotes the development of sustainable applications.In this article, we summarize the representative methods for synthesizing BCDs in green and simple ways using biomass as a carbon source, including hydrothermal carbonization, and microwave, pyrolysis. The prepared BCDs have a uniform particle size distribution and a relatively high throughput,which provide a method to scale up industrial production. Moreover, the integration of specific optical properties, that is, tunable photoluminescence and up-photoluminescence, has led to remarkable use in bioimaging, sensing,and drug delivery. But the current review is not particularly comprehensive for BCDs. Therefore, we now provide a review focusing on the synthesis,properties, and recent advances in BCDs in biosensing, bioimaging,optoelectronics, and catalytic applications.

Wavelength-sensitive photocatalytic H2 evolution from H2S splitting over g-C3N4 with S,N-codoped carbon dots as the photosensitizer

Photocatalytic splitting of hydrogen sulfide(H2S) for hydrogen evolution is a promising method to solve the energy and environmental issues.In this work,S,N-codoped carbon dots(S,N-CDs)/graphitic carbon nitride(g-C3N4) nanosheet is synthesized by hydrothermal method as an efficient photocatalyst for the decomposition of H2S.In addition to the characterization of the morphology and structure,chemical state,optical and electrochemical performances of S,N-CDs/g-C3N4,hydrogen evolution tests show that the activity of g-C3N4 is improved by introducing S,N-CDs,and the enhancement depends strongly on the wavelength of incident light.The photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of S,N-CDs/g-C3N4 composite reaches 832 μmol g-1h-1, which is 38 times to that of g-C3N4 under irradiation at 460 nm.Density functional theory calculations and electron paramagnetic resonance as well as photoluminescence technologies have altogether authenticated that the unique wavelength-dependent photosensitization of S,N-CDs on g-C3N4;meanwhile,a good match between the energy level of S,N-CDs and g-C3N4 is pivotal for the effective photocatalytic activity.Our work has unveiled the detailed mechanism of the photocatalytic activity enhancement in S,N-CDs/g-C3N4 composite and showed its potential in photocatalytic splitting of H2S for hydrogen evolution.

Natural Stibnite for Lithium‑/Sodium‑Ion Batteries:Carbon Dots Evoked High Initial Coulombic Efficiency

The application of Sb_(2)S_(3)with marvelous theoretical capacity for alkali metal-ion batteries is seriously limited by its poor electrical conductivity and low initial coulombic efficiency(ICE).In this work,natural stibnite modified by carbon dots(Sb_(2)S_(3)@xCDs)is elaborately designed with high ICE.Greatly,chemical processes of local oxidation–partial reduction–deep coupling for stibnite reduction of CDs are clearly demonstrated,confirmed with in situ high-temperature X-ray diffraction.More impressively,the ICE for lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)is enhanced to 85%,through the effect of oxygen-rich carbon matrix on C–S bonds which inhibit the conversion of sulfur to sulfite,well supported by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization of solid electrolyte interphase layers helped with density functional theory calculations.Not than less,it is found that Sb–O–C bonds existed in the interface effectively promote the electronic conductivity and expedite ion transmission by reducing the bandgap and restraining the slip of the dislocation.As a result,the optimal sample delivers a tremendous reversible capacity of 660 mAh g^(−1)in LIBs at a high current rate of 5 A g^(−1).This work provides a new methodology for enhancing the electrochemical energy storage performance of metal sulfides,especially for improving the ICE.

Modulating charge carriers in carbon dots toward efficient solar-to-energy conversion

Growing attention to the development of sustainable solar-to-energy conversion applications has resulted in the synthesis of promising and environment-friendly nanomaterials as energy harvesters.Among various carbon nanomaterials,carbon dots(CDs)have received significant attention due to their excellent light absorption capability,broad absorption region,and superior photostability with enormous potential for solar energy applications.Therefore,utilizing and modulating the charge carriers generated from CDs is critical for achieving a high energy conversion efficiency of CDs.Herein,we focus on the distinct characteristics of CDs as energy converters from charge excitation to charge separation and transfer for various solar-to-energy applications,including photovoltaic cells,photocatalysts,and photoelectrocatalysts.We anticipate that this review will offer insight into the synthesis and design of novel nanocomposites with a fundamental analysis of the photochemical properties and future development of energy conversion devices.

Green synthesis of multifunctional carbon dots for anti-cancer and anti-fungal applications

Carbon dots(CDs)have become popular nanomaterials in biomedical and agricultural fields.Herein we synthesized multifunctional CDs which showed anti-cancer and anti-fungal activities.The low cytotoxicity,stable fluorescence and high photothermal conversion efficiency enable the CDs with imagingguided photothermal therapy.The CDs also exhibited intrinsic anti-fungal activity even at a low concentration,i.e.,40 mg·L^(-1) of CDs induced 20%mortality in cucumber downy mildew.Moreover,the largeπ-conjugated nanostructure and the richness of amino and hydroxyl groups make them a powerful delivery platform for flumorph(a fungicide)with a high loading efficiency of 47.18%.Meanwhile,the heat converted from the light can accelerate the release of flumorph from CDs,and thus efficiently kill fungus.

Carbon dot-modified silicon nanoparticles for lithium-ion batteries

Silicon(Si)particles were functionalized using carbon dots(CDs)to enhance the interaction between the Si particles and the binders.First,CDs rich in polar groups were synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method.Then,CDs were loaded on the Si surface by impregnation to obtain the functionalized Si particles(Si/CDs).The phases and microstructures of the Si/CDs were observed using Fourier-transform infrared reflection,X-ray diffraction,scanning electron microscopy,and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.Si/CDs were used as the active material of the anode for electrochemical performance experiments.The electrochemical performance of the Si/CD electrode was assessed using cyclic voltammetry,electrochemical impedance spectroscopy,and constant current charge and discharge experiment.The electrodes prepared with Si/CDs showed good mechanical structure stability and electrochemical performance.After 150 cycles at 0.2 C,the capacity retention rate of the Si/CD electrode was 64.0%,which is twice as much as that of pure Si electrode under the same test conditions.

Nanocomposite Polymer Hydrogels Reinforced by Carbon Dots and Hectorite Clay

Herein, two nanoparticles with different dimensions, spherical carbon dots (C-dots) and sheetlike hectorite clay, were used as physical crosslinkers to fabricate C-dots-clay-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)nanocompositehydrogels (coded as C-dots-clay-PNIPAm hydrogels). The mechanical properties, fluorescence features and thermal-responsive properties of the C-dots-clay-PNIPAm hydrogels were evaluated. The experimental results indicate that synergistic effects of C-dots and hectorite clay nanoparticles are able to significantly enhance mechanical properties of the hydrogels. The hydrogels can be stretched up to 1730%with strength as high as 250 kPa when the C-dots concentration is 0.1wt%and the clay concentration is 6wt%. The hydrogels exhibit complete self-healing through autonomic reconstruction of crosslinked network a damaged interface. The hydrogels show favorable thermal-responsive properties with the volume phase transition around 34℃. In addition, the hydrogels are endowed with fluorescence features that are associated with C-dots in the hydrogels. It can be expected that the as-fabricated C-dots-clay-PNIPAm hydrogels are promising for applications in sensors, biomedical carriers and tissue engineering.

Highly efficient visible/near-infrared light photocatalytic degradation of antibiotic wastewater over 3D yolk-shell ZnFe_(2)O_(4)supported 0D carbon dots with up-conversion property

The development of effective visible and near-infrared photocatalysts is highly promising in the current field of photocatalysis.Herein,carbon dots/ZnFe_(2)O_(4)(CDs/ZFO)with coating zero dimensional(0D)CDs on the surface of three dimensional(3D)yolk-shell ZFO spheres was designed and synthesized via a selftemplated solvothermal method.The as-prepared CDs/ZFO composites displayed outstanding visible and near-infrared photocatalytic degradation activity of tetracycline(TC),and the optimal 3%CDs/ZFO sample with loading 3%(mass)CDs displayed the highest photocatalytic TC degradation ability under visible light(79.5%within 120 min)and near-infrared light(41%within 120 min).The enhancement of photocatalytic activity for CDs/ZFO composite is mainly ascribed to the fact that 0D/3D yolk-shell CDs/ZFO structure not only effectively reflect the incident light to increase the utilization efficiency of solar light,but also utilize the up-conversion photoluminescence and electronic conductivity properties of CDs to broaden sunlight absorption range and promote separation and transfer of electron-hole pairs.

Carbon dots derived from Poria cocos polysaccharide as an effective“on-off”fluorescence sensor for chromium(Ⅵ)detection

Chromium is a harmful contaminant showing mutagenicity and carcinogenicity.Therefore,detection of chromium requires the development of low-cost and high-sensitivity sensors.Herein,blue-fluorescent carbon quantum dots were synthesized by one-step hydrothermal method from alkali-soluble Poria cocos polysaccharide,which is green source,cheap and easy to obtain,and has no pharmacological activity due to low water solubility.These carbon quantum dots exhibit good fluorescence stability,water solubility,anti-interference and low cytotoxicity,and can be specifically combined with the detection of Cr(Ⅵ)to form a non-fluorescent complex that causes fluorescence quenching,so they can be used as a label-free nanosensor.High-sensitivity detection of Cr(Ⅵ)was achieved through internal filtering and static quenching effects.The fluorescence quenching degree of carbon dots fluorescent probe showed a good linear relationship with Cr(Ⅵ)concentration in the range of 1-100μM.The linear equation was F;/F=0.9942+0.01472[Cr(Ⅵ)](R;=0.9922),and the detection limit can be as low as 0.25μM(S/N=3),which has been successfully applied to Cr(Ⅵ)detection in actual water samples herein.