Fluorescent of C-dot composite thin films and its properties

Abstract

In the present work, we report the preparation of a fluorescent carbon nanodots (C-dots) epoxy composite thin films on a glass substrate. C-dots were prepared directly by a simple hydrothermal method using citric acid as a carbon source. The C-dots solutions were mixed with a transparent epoxy resin to form C-dot epoxy composite. Furthermore, the composite precursor was deposited on the glass substrate using a spin coating method in order to fabricate C-dot epoxy composite thin film. The transmittance intensity of C-dot composite film reached up to 90% in the visible light spectra. Using Swanopoel method, the film thickness of fabricated C-dot composite film was determined at about 1.45 μm, a value lies in a typical range needed for a wide range application. Thus, the C-dot composite film is promising in broadening applications in various fields such as energy conversion, optoelectronics, and display technology. © 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.