Cu(i)-Doped carbon quantum dots with zigzag edge structures for highly efficient catalysis of azide–alkyne cycloadditions

Abstract

Cu( i)-CQDs with zigzag-shaped edges were prepared and used for a highly efficient catalysis of the Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition that was made possible owing to their rapid release of Cu( i).

Abstract

Photoluminescent (PL) carbon quantum dots (CQDs), in which Cu( i) was doped stably owing to their specific zigzag edge structure, were used for catalyzing the Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between azides and alkynes, the prototypical reaction of “click chemistry”. The results showed the great potential of the as-prepared CQDs in catalysis chemistry applications.