One-pot synthesis of photoluminescent self-assembled carbon dot monolayer films

Abstract

We propose a facile and simple synthesis of photoluminescent (PL) carbon dot self-assembled monolayer films (CD-SAMFs) at oil-water interfaces. By using styrene both as the carbon source and the oil phase medium, we got our amazing CD-SAMFs under the copper acetate and hydrogen peroxide (Cu(Ac)2-H2O2) catalytic-oxidation system. Without any surface modification, the spontaneously formed CD-SAMFs exhibit ultrathin thickness (<10 nm), bright luminescence, high transparency, and hydrophobicity, which have the potential as a new alternative to be used on multifunctional coating films, anticounterfeiting, displays, sensors, and optical devices.