Angewandte Chemie International Edition · 2020 · 37 citations · 52 references
Natural SciencesChemistryMaterials ScienceCatalysisMaterials ChemistryNanomaterialsCarbon NanomaterialsCatalytic MaterialsInorganic NanoparticlesNanocatalysisPhotocatalysisQuantum DotsMild Reaction ConditionsPhotoluminescencePhotoluminescence Quantum YieldPhotoresponsive CatalysisPhotoresponsive MaterialsPolycondensationQuantum Dot SynthesisStability Under Reaction Conditions
Abstract Graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (g‐CNQDs) are highly promising photoresponsive materials. However, synthesis of monodispersed g‐CNQDs remains challenging. Here we report the dual function of MOF [Cu 3 BTC 2 ] (HKUST‐1) as a catalyst and template simultaneously to prepare g‐CNQDs under mild conditions. Cyanamide (CA), a graphitic carbon nitride precursor, catalytically dimerized inside the larger MOF cavities at 90 °C and condensed into g‐CNQDs at 120 °C in a controlled fashion. The HKUST‐1 template was stable under the reaction conditions, leading to uniform g‐CNQDs with a particle size of 2.22±0.68 nm. The as prepared g‐CNQDs showed photoluminescence emission with a quantum yield of 3.1 %. This concept (MOF dual functionality) for catalyzing CA polycondensation (open metal sites (OMSs) effect) and controlling the produced particle size (pore‐templating effect), together with the tunable MOF porosity, is expected to produce unique g‐CNQDs with controllable size, morphology, and surface functionality.
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