Luminescent Carbon Quantum Nanostructures

Scientific results:

We have developed theoretical models describing the energy structure of intrinsic and impurity states of carbon dots, determined the parameters of carbon dot doping that influence their optical transitions and the mobility of charge carriers.

Our researchers have produced samples of solutions of carbon dots doped with heteroatoms in various solvents with controllable optical transitions in the visible and near-infrared region of the spectrum and high quantum yields.

The Laboratory has produced composite materials based on carbon dots implemented into polymer and solid porous matrices with improved optical characteristics in the green region of the spectrum.

We have produced samples of carbon dots emitting in the red and near-infrared region of the spectrum.

We have produced samples of chiral carbon nanoparticles with optical transitions in the visible range of the spectrum by «one-pot» methods and post-synthesis processing with chiral organic molecules.

The Laboratory has produced samples of light-emitting diodes radiating in the green and red spectral ranges as well as white LEDs. 

Implemented results of research:

The Laboratory has developed methods of the synthesis of carbon dots and composite materials based on them for the production of white light-emitting diodes.

We have prepared three applications for patents for invents, including in the international procedure. 

Education and career development:

• On the basis of the achieved results we have updated lectures and developed a case study with the topic «Researching the nature of luminescence centers and the structure of carbon nanoparticles by absorption-luminescence spectroscopy» for master’s degree  students of ITMO University majoring in «Photonics and optoinformatics». The case study can be performed on the grounds of the international research and education center of nanostructures physics  of ITMO University.
• In 2022, we developed and staged practical classes for high school students as well as conducted open master classes and tours of the Laboratory for school students of various ages.
• In 2018, Xiong Yuan, the employee of Andrey L. Rogach’s laboratory at the City University of Hong Kong (CityU) conducted a training of employees of the Laboratory of Light-Emitting Carbon Quantum Nanostructures in the methods of the synthesis of carbon nanoparticles. As a result of the training and collaborative work, two articles been prepared.
• In 2019-2020, the chair of the Laboratory Yelena V. Ushakova completed an internship at the City University of Hong Kong (CityU) at the laboratory of Professor Andrey L. Rogach. As a result, 11 articles were prepared.
• In 2018 the conference «Photonic Colloidal Nanostructures: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications» (PCNSPA) was conducted.
• Every year for students, postgraduates and employees of the Mega-faculty of Physics and Mathematics of ITMO University a seminar-presentation of the laboratories of the International Research and Educational Center for Physics of Nanostructures of ITMO University is conducted, featuring the Laboratory of Light-Emitting Carbon Quantum Nanostructures.
• One Candidate of Science dissertation has been prepared and defended. 

Collaborations:

City University of Hong Kong, Jilin University, University of Macau, Chinese Academy of Sciences (China PR), Qatar University (Qatar), Saint Petersburg State University, Ioffe Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Russia): joint research that resulted in the publication of 37 articles in peer-reviewed journals (WoS, Scopus).