Exploring the Interplay Between Formation Mechanisms and Luminescence of Lignin Carbon Quantum Dots from Spruce Biomass

TL;DR

This paper explores how the formation processes of lignin-based carbon quantum dots from spruce biomass influence their luminescent properties, providing insights for designing tailored optoelectronic and bioimaging applications.

Contribution

It offers a detailed analysis of the relationship between lignin structure, synthesis conditions, and luminescence, advancing the rational design of LG-CQDs.

Findings

Structural features directly affect luminescent behavior.

Surface chemistry tuning alters emission characteristics.

Interactions with dopants influence optical properties.

Abstract

This study investigates the intricate relationship between the formation mechanisms and luminescent properties of lignin-derived carbon quantum dots (LG-CQDs) synthesized from spruce biomass by hydrothermal treatment. A comprehensive understanding of LG-CQD structure and its photoluminescence requires insights into the native architecture of lignin and the distribution of its acidolysis-derived fragments. Research showed how these lignin-derived units interact with dopant molecules in three different approaches during synthesis, contributing to core and surface structures that govern the optical behavior. Our findings reveal a clear correlation between structural features and luminescent properties, emphasizing the role of surface chemistry in tuning emission characteristics. These insights provide a foundation for the rational design of LG-CQDs with tailored luminescent properties, advancing their potential applications in sustainable optoelectronics, sensing, and bioimaging.