Impact of nitrogen doping on the polarization properties of carbon quantum dots

This study investigated the polarization characteristics of nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and their correlation with nitrogen doping levels through experimental and theoretical approaches. We compared carbon quantum dots with different nitrogen doping contents and discovered that with increasing nitrogen content, the lattice dimensions of the nitrogen-doped CQDs decrease while their anisotropy becomes more distinct. These changes resulted in significant variations in polarization and phase. Furthermore, the introduction of nitrogen elements was found to influence the fluorescence emission properties of the CQDs as well as the hybridization state of the carbon atoms. The findings underscored the potential to tailor the polarization properties of carbon quantum dots through controlled nitrogen doping, opening up new avenues for their application in advanced display technologies. [Display omitted] •Nitrogen-doped CQDs exhibit varied lattice dimensions and enhanced anisotropy with increasing nitrogen content.•The introduction of nitrogen influences both fluorescence emission properties and carbon atom hybridization in CQDs.•Significant variations in polarization and phase observed in CQDs correlating with nitrogen doping levels.•The study opens avenues for tailoring polarization properties of CQDs in advanced display technologies.