Issue 7, 2016

Semiconductor and carbon-based fluorescent nanodots: the need for consistency

Abstract

Fluorescent nanodots have become increasingly prevalent in a wide variety of applications with special interest in analytical and biomedical fields. The present overview focuses on three main aspects: (i) a systematic description and reasonable classification of the most relevant types of fluorescent nanodots according to their nature, quantum confinement and crystalline structure is provided, starting with a clear distinction between semiconductor and carbon-based dots (graphene quantum dots, carbon quantum dots and carbon nanodots). A new set of abbreviations and definitions for them to avoid contradictions found in literature is also proposed; (ii) a rational classification allows the establishment of clear-cut differences and similarities among them. From a basic point of view, the origins of the photoluminescence of the different nanodots are also established, which is a relevant contribution of this overview. Additionally, the most outstanding similarities and differences in a great variety of criteria (i.e. year of discovery, synthesis, the physico-chemical characteristics like structure, nature, shape, size, quantum confinement, toxicity and solubility, the optical characteristics including the quantum yield and lifetime, limitations, applications as well as the evolution of publications) are thoroughly outlined; and (iii) finally, the promising future of fluorescent nanodots in both analytical and biomedical fields is discussed using selected examples of relevant applications.

Graphical abstract: Semiconductor and carbon-based fluorescent nanodots: the need for consistency

Article information

Article type
Feature Article
Submitted
16 Вер 2015
Accepted
24 Лис 2015
First published
24 Лис 2015

Chem. Commun., 2016,52, 1311-1326

Semiconductor and carbon-based fluorescent nanodots: the need for consistency

A. Cayuela, M. L. Soriano, C. Carrillo-Carrión and M. Valcárcel, Chem. Commun., 2016, 52, 1311 DOI: 10.1039/C5CC07754K

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements