Synthesis and luminescence properties of carbon quantum dots with core@shell structures

The luminescence stability of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) in air impedes their extensive applications. Ample –NH2 groups on the surface of a green carbon quantum dots (GCQDs) had high organic reactivity, the surface of GCQDs was modified with allyl functional groups through a simple surface substitution reaction (named as GCQD-A). The surface of the GCQD-A was continuously formed a thin organic shell by free radical copolymerization reaction with methyl methacrylate and styrene respectively, and they were named as GCQD@PMMA and GCQD@PS respectively. The allyl functional groups on the surface of GCQD-A, the shell composition of GCQD@PMMA and GCQD@PS were characterized by their 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) data and infrared adsorption spectra. The luminescence stabilities for GCQD@PMMA and GCQD@PS in air were greatly improved compared with that for the GCQDs. The work can provide a novel method to get stable luminescence of CQDs in air, and it will extend their application areas in solid state. The luminescence stabilities in air for GCQDs were greatly enhanced by coating a very thin organic polymer shells on the surfaces of GCQDs. [Display omitted] •The luminescence stability of GCQDs in air was greatly enhanced.•Very thin organic polymer shells were successfully coted on the surfaces of GCQDs.•A new method to protect the surface excited states of carbon quantum dots.