The review article, “Designing carbon dots for enhanced photo-catalysis: Challenges and opportunities”, recently published in Chem, provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the structure and properties of carbon dots (CDs) and their role in photocatalysis. Authored by researchers from Palacký University, VSB-TUO, and the University of Erlangen–Nuremberg (FAU), the paper highlights the critical properties that influence the design of CDs for photocatalysis. It also explores both experimental and theoretical approaches for investigating these structurally complex nanomaterials.
Carbon dots (CDs) are nanomaterials with unique optical and electronic properties that make them attractive for various applications, from medical diagnostics and cancer therapy to the development of LEDs and optoelectronic sensors. In their article, the authors focus on the potential of CDs in photocatalysis, an area of research that has seen a significant advancement in recent years. These ultra-small non-metallic nanomaterials are emerging as strong competitors to traditional metal-based semiconductor materials.
“Carbon dots offer a wide range of applications, with new opportunities opening up especially in the field of photocatalytic production of hydrogen, hydrogen peroxide or photoreduction of carbon dioxide. The article provides a deep insight into the relationship between the structure and activity of carbon dots and the development of methods for accurate adaptation of these structures, which can enhance energy transformation and its sustainable production. The article also emphasizes the importance of advanced experimental and theoretical methods, including machine learning, for further improvement of the photocatalytic properties of carbon dots and the introduction of circular systems that support the sustainability and efficiency of material recycling,” said the first author of the article Lukáš Zdražil.
The article also features German researchers, including Dirk M. Guldi, a leading expert in the field. Guldi, a professor at the University of Erlangen–Nuremberg (FAU), specializes in the development of carbon-based materials like fullerenes and carbon dots, which have the potential to convert sunlight into usable energy. Lukáš Zdražil, a postdoctoral fellow during his stay in Erlangen, collaborated closely with Guldi and his team. “This article marks the first outcome of our joint scientific efforts, and we are continuing our collaboration in the experimental description of the optical properties of carbon dots,” said Zdražil, who is affiliated with both the Nanotechnology Centre at CEET VSB-TUO and CATRIN at Palacký University.
According to the researchers, however, understanding the photocatalytic activity of carbon dots and the design of efficient and precisely targeted structures remains a major scientific challenge. “Overcoming these obstacles is crucial for progress towards green and sustainable energy production using materials that are cheap, scalable and environmentally friendly. The optical and electronic properties of CDs can now compete with traditional metal-based semiconductors, which is extremely interesting for commercial applications,” added one of the corresponding authors Radek Zbořil.
Scientists have long recognised the value of combining experiments with theoretical calculations. “Modelling the properties of carbon dots is a very difficult task due to their complex and ambiguous structure. However, computational models offer valuable insights into the physico-chemical processes occurring within the dots. Thanks to advanced computational technology, researchers can now integrate data from molecular dynamics simulations, quantum chemical calculations and artificial intelligence analyses with experimental results. This greatly accelerates the development of new, catalytically active carbon dots,” added Michal Otyepka from the IT4Innovations National Supercomputing Center at VSB-TUO and CATRIN at Palacký University.