journal article·2025Open access

Covalent carbon nanodot-azobenzene hybrid photoswitches: the impact of meta / para connectivity and sp 3 spacer on photophysical properties

Paul P. Debes, Dominic Schatz, Yagmur Aydogan-Sun, Juan Pablo Martínez, Michal Langer, Janis Hessling, Jaime Gallego, Enzo Menna, Bernd M. Smarsly, Monika Schönhoff, Silvio Osella, Josef Wachtveitl, Hermann A. Wegner, Teresa Gatti

Journal of Materials Chemistry C· Volume 13· Issue 23

Abstract

The covalent surface functionalization of carbon nanodots (CNDs) can facilitate the design and development of nanocarbon hybrids with photoswitching properties, which can be applied in a wide range of applications, including sensing, optoelectronics, and even bio-applications. This study underscores the potential utilization of these hybrids as photoresponsive materials, for potential application in optostimulation. In this study, we examine the characteristics of covalent azobenzene-functionalized CNDs, with a particular emphasis on the impact of meta and para connectivity and the additional introduction of a glycine spacer. The CND synthesis process comprises a bottom-up microwave condensation of ethylenediamine and citric acid. Amide coupling to azobenzenes is confirmed through NMR diffusion-ordered spectroscopy and diffusion decay analysis. A comprehensive investigation is conducted into the size and optical properties of the resulting hybrids. Moreover, time-dependent density functional theory computations are employed to understand absorption spectra and charge transfer events. Furthermore, advanced optical characterisation is utilised to examine energy/charge transfer between the constituents. Finally, the switching properties, fatigue resistance, and half-life of the hybrids are studied to evaluate their performance for prospective applications like in optostimulation.
Source: europepmc · Quality: candidate unverified · Source record ↗

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Luminescence and Fluorescent Materials · Carbon and Quantum Dots Applications · Molecular Sensors and Ion Detection

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Center for Materials Research, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 16, 35392, Giessen, Germany

Institute of Physical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 17, 35392, Giessen, Germany

Institute of Organic Chemistry, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 17, 35392, Giessen, Germany

Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max von Laue-Strasse 7, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany

Chemical and Biological Systems Simulation Lab, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 2c Banacha Street, 02-097, Warszawa, Poland

IT4Innovations, VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, 17.listopadu 2172/15, 70800, Ostrava-Poruba, Czech Republic

Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Muenster, Corrensstrasse 28/30, 48149, Muenster, Germany

Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova and INSTM UdR Padova, via Marzolo 1, 35131, Padova, Italy

Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, C.so Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129, Torino, Italy

Funding

European Research Council · Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy · Narodowym Centrum Nauki · European Regional Development Fund · Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

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