Insights into the formation of N doped 3D-graphene quantum dots. Spectroscopic and computational approach

Ultra-sensitive detection of Cu2+ in water and infant formula using a carbon dot-embedded MIL-53 electrochemiluminescence sensor

This study synthesises a novel N-CQDs@MIL-53 composite via a hydro-thermal method for fabricating an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor to detect Cu2+ ions. The sensor delivers remarkable performance in detecting Cu2+ ions, achieving a broad detection range from 5 × 10-8 to 1 × 10-4 mol/L and a remarkable limit of detection of 1.44 × 10-8 mol/L. This innovative approach exhibits high efficiency in analysing Cu2+ both in infant formula and water samples, yielding results comparable to those obtained using the standard ICP method. Notably, the N-CQDs@MIL-53 composite based ECL sensor outperforms its counterpart fabricated using standalone N-CQDs, offering enhanced sensitivity and a wider linear detection range. Moreover, the integration of N-CQDs into MIL-53 considerably enhances the composite's storage stability. This approach provides a simple, and cost-effective strategy for Cu2+ analysis in actual samples; in addition, it introduces a key concept of enhancing the performance of CQD-based ECL sensors by incorporating them into metal organic frameworks (MOFs).

Harnessing the power of traceable system C-GAP: homologous-targeting to fire up T-cell immune responses with low-dose irradiation

While radiotherapy-induced immunogenic cell death (ICD) holds potential for enhancing cancer immunotherapy, the conventional high-dose irradiation often leads to an immunosuppressive microenvironment and systemic toxicity. Therefore, a biomimetic nanoplatform cell membrane coated-nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots combined with Au nanoparticles (C-GAP) was developed in this study. Firstly, homologous and traceable targeting features of C-GAP enables tumor-selective accumulation, providing reference for the selection of the timing of radiotherapy. Secondly, radiosensitization by C-GAP with Low-dose irradiation (LDI) amplifies reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation to trigger potent ICD. Thirdly, remarkable immune remodeling induced by C-GAP enhances CD8+ T cell infiltration and effector function. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that C-GAP-LDI combination upregulates TNF and CCL signaling pathway expression in tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells which potentiates tumor eradication. Our findings present a novel approach for safe and effective radioimmunotherapy, where C-GAP sensitized LDI achieves therapeutic enhancement through precise ICD induction and systemic immune activation.

Multifunctionalized Carbon Dots as an Active Nanocarrier for Drug Delivery to the Glioblastoma Cell Line

Nanoparticle-based nanocarriers represent a viable alternative to conventional direct administration in cancer cells. This advanced approach employs the use of nanotechnology to transport therapeutic agents directly to cancer cells, thereby reducing the risk of damage to healthy cells and enhancing the efficacy of treatment. By approving nanoparticle-based nanocarriers, the potential for targeted, effective treatment is greatly increased. The so-called carbon-based nanoparticles, or carbon dots, have been hydrothermally prepared and initiated by a polymerization process. We synthesized and characterized nanoparticles of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, which showed biocompatibility with glioblastoma cells, and further, we tested them as a carrier for the drug riluzole. The obtained nanoparticles have been extensively characterized by techniques to obtain the exact composition of their surface by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, as well as cryo-transmission electron microscopy. We found that the surface of the synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) is covered mainly by sulfonated, carboxylic, and substituted amide groups. These functional groups make them suitable as carriers for drug delivery in cancer cells. Specifically, we have successfully utilized the NPs as a delivery system for the drug riluzole, which has shown efficacy in treating glioblastoma cancer cells. The effect of nanoparticles as carriers for the riluzole system on glioblastoma cells was studied using live-cell synchrotron-based FTIR microspectroscopy to monitor in situ biochemical changes. After applying nanoparticles as nanocarriers, we have observed changes in all biomacromolecules, including the nucleic acids and protein conformation. These findings provide a strong foundation for further exploration into the development of targeted treatments for glioblastoma.

Removal of bisphenol A in a heterogeneous Fenton system via biochar synthesized using different Fe precursors: Properties, effects, and mechanisms

The reactivity and mechanism of the Fe-doped biochar (FeBC) Fenton reaction are typically influenced by the amount and type of Fe species in materials. This study investigated the effects of different Fe precursors (FeSO4, Fe(NO)3, FeCl2, and FeCl3) used to prepare Fenton catalyst FeBCs (FeSBC, FeNBC, FeC2BC, and FeC3BC) on the physicochemical characteristics, pH resistance, and reactivity for bisphenol A (BPA) removal. In addition to the FeSBC/H2O2 (0.007 min-1) system, FeNBC/H2O2 (1.143 min-1), FeC2BC/H2O2 (0.278 min-1), and FeC3BC/H2O2 (0.556 min-1) completely removed BPA within 20 min under the optimal conditions (FeBCs: 0.1 g/L; H2O2: 1 mM; BPA: 20 mg/L; pH 3). FeBCs/H2O2 systems demonstrated good stability and resistance to inorganic anions and natural organic matter under appropriate initial pH conditions. However, FeC2BC and FeC3BC exhibited better pH applicability than FeNBC. Characterization results indicated that the physicochemical properties of FeBCs were dependent on the Fe precursor, which correlated with the degree of Fe corrosion and the production of distinct reactive oxygen species (ROS). Quenching experiments and electron spin resonance detection results indicated that OH, 1O2, and O2- species were all engaged in BPA removal; the ROS concentrations were significantly influenced by the initial pH and Fe precursor. The results indicate that Fe precursors significantly impact the performance and characteristics of Fe-based biochar materials, which are tailorable to specific applications.

Nanoporous Alumina Support Covered by Imidazole Moiety-Based Ionic Liquids: Optical Characterization and Application

This work analyzes chemical surface and optical characteristics of a commercial nanoporous alumina structure (NPAS) as a result of surface coverage by different imidazolium-based ionic liquids (1-butyl-3-metylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, 3-methyl-1-octylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, or 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate). Optical characteristics of the IL/NPAS samples were determined by photoluminescence (at different excitation wavelengths (from 300 nm to 400 nm), ellipsometry spectroscopy, and light transmittance/reflectance measurements for a range of wavelengths that provide information on modifications related to both visible and near-infrared regions. Chemical surface characterization of the three IL/NPAS samples was performed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which indicates almost total support coverage by the ILs. The IL/NPAS analyzed samples exhibit different photoluminescence behavior, high transparency (<85%), and a reflection maximum at wavelength ~380 nm, with slight differences depending on the IL, while the refractive index values are rather similar to those shown by the ILs. Moreover, the illuminated I−V curves (under standard conditions) of the IL/NPAS samples were also measured for determining the efficiency energy conversion to estimate their possible application as solar cells. On the other hand, a computational quantum mechanical modeling method (DFT) was used to establish the most stable bond between the ILs and the NPAS support.

Carbon Nanodots from an In Silico Perspective

Carbon nanodots (CNDs) are the latest and most shining rising stars among photoluminescent (PL) nanomaterials. These carbon-based surface-passivated nanostructures compete with other related PL materials, including traditional semiconductor quantum dots and organic dyes, with a long list of benefits and emerging applications. Advantages of CNDs include tunable inherent optical properties and high photostability, rich possibilities for surface functionalization and doping, dispersibility, low toxicity, and viable synthesis (top-down and bottom-up) from organic materials. CNDs can be applied to biomedicine including imaging and sensing, drug-delivery, photodynamic therapy, photocatalysis but also to energy harvesting in solar cells and as LEDs. More applications are reported continuously, making this already a research field of its own. Understanding of the properties of CNDs requires one to go to the levels of electrons, atoms, molecules, and nanostructures at different scales using modern molecular modeling and to correlate it tightly with experiments. This review highlights different in silico techniques and studies, from quantum chemistry to the mesoscale, with particular reference to carbon nanodots, carbonaceous nanoparticles whose structural and photophysical properties are not fully elucidated. The role of experimental investigation is also presented. Hereby, we hope to encourage the reader to investigate CNDs and to apply virtual chemistry to obtain further insights needed to customize these amazing systems for novel prospective applications.

Gamma-Ray-Induced Structural Transformation of GQDs towards the Improvement of Their Optical Properties, Monitoring of Selected Toxic Compounds, and Photo-Induced Effects on Bacterial Strains

Structural modification of different carbon-based nanomaterials is often necessary to improve their morphology and optical properties, particularly the incorporation of N-atoms in graphene quantum dots (GQDs). Here, a clean, simple, one-step, and eco-friendly method for N-doping of GQDs using gamma irradiation is reported. GQDs were irradiated in the presence of the different ethylenediamine (EDA) amounts (1 g, 5 g, and 10 g) and the highest % of N was detected in the presence of 10 g. N-doped GQDs emitted strong, blue photoluminescence (PL). Photoluminescence quantum yield was increased from 1.45, as obtained for non-irradiated dots, to 7.24% for those irradiated in the presence of 1 g of EDA. Modified GQDs were investigated as a PL probe for the detection of insecticide Carbofuran (2,2-Dimethyl-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-7-yl methylcarbamate) and herbicide Amitrole (3-amino-1,2,4-triazole). The limit of detection was 5.4 μmol L^-1 for Carbofuran. For the first time, Amitrole was detected by GQDs in a turn-off/turn-on mechanism using Pd(II) ions as a quenching agent. First, Pd(II) ions were quenched (turn-off) PL of GQDs, while after Amitrole addition, PL was recovered linearly with Amitrole concentration (turn-on). LOD was 2.03 μmol L^-1. These results suggest that modified GQDs can be used as an efficient new material for Carbofuran and Amitrole detection. Furthermore, the phototoxicity of dots was investigated on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. When bacterial cells were exposed to different GQD concentrations and illuminated with light of 470 nm wavelength, the toxic effects were not observed.

Review of research of nanocomposites based on graphene quantum dots

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) belong to the vast and versatile family of carbon nanomaterials. Their unique position amongst versatile carbon nanoparticles (NPs) originates from the properties of quantum confinement and edge effects. GQDs are similar to conventional semiconductor QDs due to their tunable band gaps and high photoluminescence activity. However, GQDs have superior characteristics due to their excellent biocompatibility, low toxicity, good water dispersibility, large optical absorptivity, high fluorescence activity and photostability. These properties have generated significant interest in GQDs applications in various fields: nanosensor fabrication, drug delivery, photocatalysis, photovoltaics, and photodynamic therapy. Numerous GQD-based nanocomposites/nanohybrides have been synthesized and/or studied computationally. This review focuses on recent computational studies of various GQD-based nanocomposites/nanohybrides and systems which can be related to them.

Nitrene formation is the first step of the thermal and photochemical decomposition reactions of organic azides

In this work, the decomposition of a prototypical azide, isopropyl azide, both in the ground and excited states, has been investigated through the use of multiconfigurational CASSCF and MS-CASPT2 electronic structure approaches. Particular emphasis has been placed on the thermal reaction starting at the S₀ ground state surface. It has been found that the azide thermally decomposes via a stepwise mechanism, whose rate-determining step is the formation of isopropyl nitrene, which is, in turn, the first step of the global mechanism. After that, the nitrene isomerizes to the corresponding imine derivative. Two routes are possible for such a decomposition: (i) a spin-allowed path involving a transition state; and (ii) a spin-forbidden one via a S₀/T₀ intersystem crossing. Both intermediates have been determined and characterised. Their associated relative energies have been found to be quite similar, 45.75 and 45.52 kcal mol^-1, respectively. To complete this study, the kinetics of the singlet and triplet channels are modeled with the MESMER (Master Equation Solver for Multi-Energy Well Reactions) code by applying the RRKM and Landau-Zener (with WKB tunnelling correction) theories, respectively. It is found that the canonical rate-coefficients of the singlet path are 2-orders of magnitude higher than the rate-coefficients of the forbidden reaction. In addition, the concerted mechanism has been investigated that would lead to the formation of the imine derivative and nitrogen extrusion in the first step of the decomposition. After a careful analysis of CASSCF calculations with different active spaces and their comparison with single electronic configuration methods (MP2 and B3LYP), the concerted mechanism is discarded.

Yolk-shell Ni/NiO anchored on N-doped graphene synthesized as dual-ion MALDI matrix for detecting and imaging bioactive small molecules

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is an attractive tool to analyze the bioactive small molecules but remains a great challenge owing to the serious background interference from conventional matrix with m/z < 1000. Herein, we reported a dual-ion MALDI matrix of yolk-shell Ni/NiO nanoparticles anchored on nitrogen-doped graphene (Ni/NiO/N-Gr) to enhance MALDI performance. The Ni/NiO/N-Gr was synthesized via the pyrolysis and controllable oxidation strategy based on the nanoscale regulation of Kirkendall effect. The novel matrix showed the superior behavior for the analysis of various small molecular metabolites (amino acids, saccharides, spermidine, creatinine, hippuric acid, dopamine, and ascorbic acid) with high sensitivity, excellent salt tolerance, and favorable reproducibility in dual-ion modes compared to the traditional α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) and control substances (Ni/N-Gr and NiO/N-Gr). Meanwhile, we have realized accurate quantitation of blood glucose in mice with a linearity concentration range of 0.2-7.5 mM and qualitative detection of various endogenous small molecular metabolites in mice serum and urine samples. Especially, the Ni/NiO/N-Gr assisted LDI MS imaging (MSI) has exhibited the excellent spatial distribution of lipids in hippocampus region of mice brain. These results may provide an approach to explore the MALDI MS and MSI applications in clinical diagnosis.

Electronic Structure of Nitrobenzene: A Benchmark Example of the Accuracy of the Multi-State CASPT2 Theory

The electronic structure of nitrobenzene (C₆H₅NO₂) has been studied by means of the complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) and multi-state second-order perturbation (MS-CASPT2) methods. To this end, an active space of 20 electrons distributed in 17 orbitals has been selected to construct the reference wave function. In this work, we have calculated the vertical excitation energies and the energy barrier for the dissociation of the molecule on the ground state into phenyl and nitrogen dioxide. After applying the corresponding vibrational corrections to the electronic energies, it is demonstrated that the MS-CASPT2//CASSCF values obtained in this work yield an excellent agreement between calculated and experimental data. In addition, other active spaces of lower size have been applied to the system in order to check the active space dependence in the results.

Shedding Light on Graphene Quantum Dots: Key Synthetic Strategies, Characterization Tools, and Cutting-Edge Applications

During the last 20 years, the scientific community has shown growing interest towards carbonaceous nanomaterials due to their appealing mechanical, thermal, and optical features, depending on the specific nanoforms. Among these, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) recently emerged as one of the most promising nanomaterials due to their outstanding electrical properties, chemical stability, and intense and tunable photoluminescence, as it is witnessed by a booming number of reported applications, ranging from the biological field to the photovoltaic market. To date, a plethora of synthetic protocols have been investigated to modulate the portfolio of features that GQDs possess and to facilitate the use of these materials for target applications. Considering the number of publications and the rapid evolution of this flourishing field of research, this review aims at providing a broad overview of the most widely established synthetic protocols and offering a detailed review of some specific applications that are attracting researchers’ interest.

Structure and Interface Modification of Carbon Dots for Electrochemical Energy Application

Carbon dots (CDs) as new nanomaterials have attracted much attention in recent years due to their unique characteristics. Notably, structure and interface modification (carbon core, edge, defects, and functional groups) of CDs have been considered as valid methods to regulate their properties, which contain electron transfer effect, electrochemical activity, fluorescence luminescent, and so on. Additionally, CDs with ultrasmall size, excellent dispersibility, high specific surface area, and abundant functional groups can guarantee positive and extraordinary effects in electrical energy storage and conversion. Therefore, CDs are used to couple with other materials by constructing a special interface structure to enhance their properties. Here, diverse structural and interfacial modifications of CDs with various heteroatoms and synergy effects are systematically analyzed. And not only several main syntheses of CDs-based composites (CDs/X) are summarized but also the merit and demerit of CDs/X in electrical energy storage are discussed. Finally, the applications of CDs/X in energy storage devices (supercapacitors, batteries) and electrocatalysts for practical applications are discussed. This review mainly provides a comprehensive summary and future prospect for synthesis, modification, and electrochemical applications of CDs.

Chemically heterogeneous carbon dots enhanced cholesterol detection by MALDI TOF mass spectrometry

A binary system composed of carbon dots (CDs) and N-doped CDs (N-CDs) embedded in an organic matrix was used for the analysis of cholesterol by MALDI (matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization time-of-flight) mass spectrometry, as a model for detection of small, biologically relevant molecules. The results showed that both CDs are sensitive to the cholesterol and can be used either alone or in a binary system with 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) to enhance the detection process. It was found that both COOH and NH2 groups on CDs surface contributed to the enhancement in the cholesterol detection by MALDI mass spectrometry in the presence of inorganic cations. Nevertheless, in the presence of NaCl, N-CDs led to a better reproducibility of results. It was due to the coexistence of positive and negative charge on N-CDs surface that led to a homogeneous analyte/substrate distribution, which is an important detection parameter. The enhancing effect of carbon dots was linked to a negative Gibbs energy of the complex formation between CDs, Na+, cholesterol and DHB, and it was supported by theoretical calculations. Moreover, upon the addition of CDs/N-CDs, such features as a low ionization potential, vertical excitation, dipole moment and oscillator strength positively affected the cholesterol detection by MALDI in the presence of Na+.

A SA-CASSCF and MS-CASPT2 study on the electronic structure of nitrosobenzene and its relation to its dissociation dynamics

The photodissociation channels of nitrosobenzene (PhNO) induced by a 255 nm photolytic wavelength have been studied using the complete active space self-consistent method and the multistate second-order multiconfigurational perturbation theory. It is found that there exists a triplet route for photodissociation of the molecule. The reaction mechanism consists of a complex cascade of nonadiabatic electronic transitions involving triple and double conical intersections as well as intersystem crossing. Several of the relevant states (S₂, S₄, and S₅ states) correspond to double excitations. It is worth noting that the last step of the photodissociation implies an internal conversion process. The experimentally observed velocity pattern of the NO fragment is a signature of such a conical intersection.

Detection of Ru potential metallodrug in human urine by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry: Validation and options to enhance the sensitivity

We studied the possibility of detection of [Ru(η5-C5H5)(PPh3)2Cl] (abbreviated by RuCp) complex as a model system for Ru-based metallodrugs in human urine by using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) without previous purification or removal of inorganic salts. Inorganic salts might prevent the detection of RuCp by MALDI-TOF MS, most likely through the increased number and intensity of background/organic matrix signals. This problem might be overcome by the acquisition of matrix-free spectra and the addition of nanoparticles, such as carbon dots, to the urine solution. Our results suggest that RuCp is easily detectable by MALDI-TOF MS in all acquisition conditions, with the CHCA matrix being the best for acquisition in phosphate-containing solutions, whereas in urine, DHB and matrix-free approach demonstrated the highest sensitivity, precision, and reproducibility. The sensitivity of matrix-free MALDI detection of RuCp could be increased by the addition of carbon dots to the urine. Based on theoretical calculations for all matrix/analyte combinations, the model for the interaction of RuCp with carbon dots was established, and higher sensitivity explained.

Assessment of Graphitized Coal Ash Char Concentrates as a Potential Synthetic Graphite Source

Coal ash char concentrates from four countries (Portugal, Poland, Romania, and South Africa) were prepared, characterised, and graphitized under the scope of the Charphite project (Third ERA-MIN Joint Call (2015) on the Sustainable Supply of Raw Materials in Europe). Coal ash chars may be a secondary raw material to produce synthetic graphite and could be an alternative to natural graphite, which is a commodity with a high supply risk. The char concentrates and the graphitized material derived from the char concentrates were characterised using proximate analysis, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction (structural), Raman microspectroscopy, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, scanning electron microscopy, and petrographic analyses to determine if the graphitization of the char was successful, and which char properties enhanced or hindered graphitization. Char concentrates with a lower proportion of anisotropic particles and a higher proportion of mixed porous particles showed greater degrees of graphitization. It is curious to see that embedded Al2O3 minerals, such as glass and clay, influenced graphitization, as they most likely acted as catalysts for crystal growth in the basal direction. However, the graphitized samples, as a whole, do not compare well against a reference natural graphite sample despite some particles in select char concentrates appearing to be graphitized following graphitization.

Insights into the Photodecomposition of Azidomethyl Methyl Sulfide: A S2/S1 Conical Intersection on Nitrene Potential Energy Surfaces Leading to the Formation of S-Methyl-N-sulfenylmethanimine

UV photodecomposition of azidomethyl methyl sulfide (AMMS) yields a transient S-methylthiaziridine which rapidly evolves to S-methyl-N-sulfenylmethanimine at 10 K. This species was detected by infrared matrix isolation spectroscopy. The mechanism of the photoreaction of AMMS has been investigated by a combined approach, using low-temperature matrix isolation FTIR spectroscopy in conjunction with two theoretical methods, namely, complete active space self-consistent field and multiconfigurational second-order perturbation. The key step of the reaction is governed by a S₂/S₁ conical intersection localized in the neighborhood of the singlet nitrene minimum which is formed in the first reaction step of the photolysis, that is, N₂ elimination from AMMS. Full assignment of the observed infrared spectra of AMMS has been carried out based on comparison with density functional theory and second-order perturbation Møller-Plesset methods.