Quantum dot ' armor ' coating: a composite coating with excellent performance based on modified carbon quantum dots

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with extended fluorescence lifetime and high quantum yield (>50 %) were successfully synthesized through a hydrothermal method from citric acid and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as carbon precursors. Then cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was used to modify CQDs. The as-prepared modified CQDs possess excellent dispersibility in both aqueous and organic media. When modified CQDs were incorporated into an acrylic resin matrix, the light conversion coating with good comprehensive properties was formed. The coating possesses high fluorescence quantum yield (16.52 %), the fluorescence lifetime (9.86 ns), low water contact angle (less than 10°), and high transmittance (>80 %). Also, the coating is characteristic of excellent anti-fog properties. The high-quantum-yield photoconversion coatings holds significant promise for applications in optoelectronic devices, advanced anti-counterfeiting systems, and efficient light-conversion technologies.