Methane Carbon Nanodots: Synthesis, Characterization, and Singlet Oxygen Production

Abstract

Carbon nanodots are becoming a useful fluorescence label, due to their photophysics, small diameters, assorted synthetic pathways and relative non-toxic nature. These particles have shown to be a versatile fluorescent probe that can be used in various fields. By introducing plasmon supporting silver nanoparticles in close proximity to the carbon nanodots, the fluorescence and photophysics of these particles can be enhanced by Metal-Enhanced Fluorescence (MEF) [1].View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint SlideIn the last few years our group has focused on understanding the photophysics of carbon nanodots and the use of Metal-Enhanced Fluorescence (MEF) to improve their optical properties. We've also studied singlet oxygen generation by carbon nanodots when optically pumped. The addition of “heavy atoms” increases the triplet yield of the nanodots, thus increases singlet oxygen production [2]. In this poster, we present our findings on methane produced carbon nanodots and their production of singlet oxygen with and without “heavy atoms” present.[1] Zhang, Y., Goncalves, H, Esteves, JCG and Geddes, CD (2011). Metal-Enhanced Photoluminescence from Carbon Dots. Chem. Commun., 47, 5313-5315.[2] Geddes, CD (2001). Optical halide sensing using fluorescence quenching: theory, simulations and applications_a review. Institute of Physics. Meas. Sci. Technol., 12(9), R53-R88.