Analytical and bioanalytical applications of carbon dots

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2011

Authors

Joaquim C. G. Esteves da Silva (Author) FCUP; Helena M. R. Gonçalves (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: TrAC - Trends in Analytical Chemistry

Vol. 30 No. 8

Pages: 1327-1336

ISSN: 0165-9936

Publisher: Elsevier

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Chemical engineering

Other information

Abstract (EN): Carbon dots (CDs) comprise a recently discovered class of strongly fluorescent, emission-color-tuning and non-blinking nanoparticles with great analytical and bioanalytical potential. Raw CDs can be obtained by laser ablation or electrochemical exfoliation of graphite, from soot, or thermal carbonization, acid dehydration or ultrasonic treatment of molecular precursors. Passivation of raw CDs makes them fluorescent and their functionalization confers reactivity towards selected targets. CDs can be excited by single-photon (ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet) and multi-photon (red or near-infrared) excitation, and their luminescence properties are due to surface defects. CDs are being proposed as bioimaging probes because they comprise non-toxic elements and are biocompatible. Passivated and functionalized CDs can be made to sense pH, metal ions and molecular substances.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific