Unveiling the Photoluminescence of Carbon Quantum\nDots with Controlled Cyan or Green Emission: Synthesis and Photophysics\nInvestigation

Carbon quantum dots\nwere fabricated for the first time from di-2-pyridiylketone,\nresulting in fluorescent nanoparticles that exhibited dual green and\nblue emission. We fine-tuned the synthesis method and conducted comprehensive\nanalyses of the structure and photophysical properties. Comparing\nthe fluorescence properties obtained under different synthesis conditions\nrevealed their growth patterns. By combining XPS, FTIR, and Raman\nspectroscopy characterization with fluorescence spectroscopy at different\npH conditions, we were able to confirm previous observations about\nthe contribution of −COOH, −CO, and N and S\ncontent in carbon dots surface state photoluminescence. In doing so,\nwe can present how their composition affects the photophysical properties\nof our carbon dots.