Unlocking metal-free multicolor thermoluminescence in carbon-dot composites via trap engineering

Abstract

Metal-free multicolor thermoluminescence is unlocked in carbon-dot composites through trap engineering in a carbon nitride matrix. Deep traps govern charge storage and thermally triggered release, enabling tunable emission spanning blue, green, and yellow-green spectral regions. This work establishes trap engineering as a general strategy for regulating carbon-based thermoluminescence.