Polymerized nanoscale carbon dots hold great potential for a variety of applications based on their excellent optical properties and ease of synthesis from benign precursors; however, the mechanism behind the high quantum yield luminescence is still under debate. This work explores the synthesis and purification of polymerized carbon dots intended both for optical and metal ion delivery applications. Via systematic choice of carbon dot precursors and careful separation methods, a size series of carbon dots show tunable luminescence as well as capacity to enable super-resolution imaging in live cells. Nuclear magnetic resonance and complimentary characterization methods coupled with computational models reveal the potential molecular underpinnings of the carbon dot optical properties, presenting the possibility for the enhanced design of new carbon dots nanostructures.

Optimized carbon dots: Green imaging agents at the nano-bio interface

2019 Fall National Meeting

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