Facile preparation of highly luminescent composites by polymer embedding of carbon dots derived from N-hydroxyphthalimide

Highly luminescent composites were prepared through embedding newly developed carbon dots (C-Dots) derived from N-hydroxyphthalimide in PS, PVC and PC polymer matrices. N-hydroxyphthalimide was found to be an excellent precursor for obtaining C-Dots through a simple pyrolytic process. The C-Dots prepared by the described method are highly luminescent with an absolute quantum yield of 79.95 % which is among the highest values reported up to date. The resulted composites preserve the remarkable photoluminescent properties of the embedded C-Dots. The composites were processed in thin films or various shaped monoliths. Prior to embedment, the composition and morphology of the prepared C-Dots were investigated by XPS, FT-IR, P-XRD, DLS TEM and fluorescence spectroscopy whereas the prepared composites were investigated by AFM. Due to their truly remarkable photoluminescent properties and facile fabrication, the prepared C-Dots and related composites could be of interest for applications ranging from sensors to solar energy conversion and light-emitting devices. As will be described later, one suggested straightforward application is the UV protection of various sensitive surfaces provided by thin layers of prepared composites.