Associate Professor  Zhili  Peng
Yunnan University,  China

Title: Hydrogen-Bonding-Induced Hierarchical Structure Engineering of Carbon Dots: From Particles to Clusters and Cluster Networks

Abstract:

Carbon dots face two major challenges: aggregation-caused quenching in the solid state and the lack of scalable synthesis for high-quality red-emitting materials. This presentation summarizes our systematic efforts to address these issues through hierarchical structure engineering enabled by precise surface hydrogen bonding control. By tuning the density and types of surface functional groups, we program the hierarchical assembly of carbon dots across multiple length scales—from individual particles, to clusters, and ultimately to cluster networks—establishing a comprehensive framework that links molecular-level functional group engineering to macroscopic architectures.

Through this approach, we discovered a hydrogen-bond-mediated self-assembly mechanism governing the particle-to-cluster-to-cluster network transition, achieving continuous emission tuning from blue to deep red across a 300 nm range. This elucidates the physical origin of aggregation-induced emission in carbon dots and validates our strategy for solid-state luminescent materials. Based on these insights, we developed high-performance white LEDs with a record color rendering index of 97, advanced information encryption systems, and stimuli-responsive sensing platforms. Our work provides a comprehensive pathway from surface functionality control to hierarchical assembly and device applications, positioning carbon dots as next-generation optoelectronic materials with precisely engineered architectures.

References:

(1) F. Zeng, C. Ji, Z. Xiang, L. Gao, W. Xu, Z. Peng*, Carbon 249 (2026) 121239.

(2) X. Yang, F. Zeng, Y. Duan, R. Li, Z. Liu, Y. Xiang, S. Liu, Z. Peng*, L. Qiu*. Chem. Eng. J. 526 (2025) 171336.

(3) C. Ji, F. Zeng, W. Xu, M. Zhu, H. Yu, H. Yang, Z. Peng*, Adv. Mater. 37 (2025) 2414450.

(4) W. Xu, F. Zeng, Q. Han, Z. Peng*, Coord. Chem. Rev. 498 (2024) 215469.

(5) Y. Jiang, T. Zhao, W. Xu; Z. Peng*, Carbon 219 (2024) 118838.

(6) C. Ji, W. Xu, Q. Han, T. Zhao, J. Deng, Z. Peng*, Nano Energy 114 (2023) 108623.

(7) W. Xu, Q. Han, C. Ji, F. Zeng, X. Zhang, J. Deng, C. Shi, Z. Peng*, Small 19 (2023) 2304123.

(8) C. Ji, Q. Han, Y. Zhou, J. Wu, W. Shi, L. Gao, R. M. Leblanc, Z. Peng*, Carbon 192 (2022) 198.

Biography:

Dr. Zhili Peng is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean at the School of Materials and Energy, Yunnan University. He received his B.S. from the University of Science and Technology of China (2009) and Ph.D. from the University of Miami, USA (2014). He held academic positions at Miami Dade College, Florida International University, and the University of Miami before joining Yunnan University in 2018. His research focuses on functional carbon-based nanomaterials, particularly the kilogram-scale synthesis, surface functionality engineering, hierarchical structure assembly, and optoelectronic applications of carbon dots. He has published over 50 SCI papers as corresponding/first author in journals including Advanced Materials, Coordination Chemistry Reviews, and Nano Energy, including several ESI highly cited papers and journal annual articles, with >6,700 citations and an h-index of 38. He is the recipient of the World's Top 2% Scientists Award (2025), Yunnan "Xingdian Yingcai" Youth Talent, He serves as an Ad Hoc Reviewer for Nature Communications, Angewandte Chemie, and other top journals.