Synthesis of a triblock copolymer containing a diacetylene group and its use for preparation of carbon nanodots

Abstract

Carbon nanodots were prepared by the pyrolysis of a triblock copolymer. The triblock copolymer, poly(methyl methacrylate)-b-polystyrene-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization using an initiator containing a diacetylene group. A polymer thin film on a mica substrate was prepared by spin-casting at 2,000 rpm from a 0.5 wt% toluene solution of the triblock copolymer. After drying, the cast film was vacuum-annealed for 48 h at 160 °C. The annealed film formed a spherical morphology of polystyrene domains with a diameter of approximately 30 nm. The film was exposed to UV irradiation to induce a cross-linking reaction between diacetylene groups. In the subsequent pyrolysis at 800 °C, the cross-linked polystyrene spheres were carbonized and the poly(methyl methacrylate) matrix was eliminated, resulting in carbon nanodots deposited on a substrate with a diameter of approximately 5 nm.