Carbon dots are an environmentally sustainable nanomaterial with optical properties similar to quantum dots. However, unlike quantum dots, carbon dots do not contain toxic metals and can be produced from renewable sources like agricultural waste or discarded plastic bags. In this study, we investigated the photochemical stability, degradation, and transformation of carbon dots throughout their lifecycle. Aqueous solutions of carbon dots were exposed to natural sunlight, UVC light (254 nm), and hydroxyl radicals, to mimic the lifecycle of carbon dots from their use and application to release, concluding with degradation caused by exposure to reactive oxygen species and advanced wastewater treatment processes. Carbon dots are rapidly photobleached with exposure to natural sunlight, but remain intact and do not degrade. In contrast, exposing carbon dots to UVC light or hydroxyl radicals leads to degradation, but through distinctly different mechanisms.

Photochemical stability and degradation of carbon dots

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.