Carbon Quantum Dots: Light Solutions for an Eco-Friendly Future

13 February 2025

Elijah Espiritu

Writer

Innovations have evolved beyond being iterations of past advancements, they now prioritize cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability. At the forefront of these are breakthroughs that offer alternative solutions to existing technologies, in hopes of building a more sustainable future.

DOST-ITDI’s Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) demonstrating their tunable fluorescent properties for imaging and sensor applications

With applications spanning healthcare, electronics, energy, and environmental monitoring, Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) are a safer, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional quantum dots. Unlike conventional quantum dots composed of heavy metals, CQDs are derived from abundant carbon sources, making them non-toxic and biocompatible.

Working on its potential, DOST-ITDI’s CQDs are envisioned to lead to significant impacts on the energy and electronics sector. Their photostability and affordability make them a potential solution for improving solar cell efficiency.

Peeking behind the microscope: Understanding the science of CQDs

The Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are ultra-small carbon nanoparticles, only a few nanometers in size, with unique light-emitting properties. When exposed to light, they shine in various colors, making them valuable for applications such as sensors, medical imaging, and solar cells.

Project Leader and Engineer Persia Ada de Yro explained the technology’s properties by likening them to super-efficient glow sticks, adding that it is also comparable to reflectors.

Unlike traditional quantum dots which contain toxic materials like cadmium, CQDs are non-toxic and environmentally friendly, making them safer in medical imaging and biosensor applications. Their luminescent and fluorescent properties also improve the efficiency of solar cells by enhancing light absorption and energy conversion, contributing to cleaner energy solutions.

De Yro expressed how CQDs offer high sensitivity for sensors that enable the detection of small amounts of substances like pollutants or disease biomarkers, which is crucial for accurate diagnostics. She added that they are used in optoelectronics, improving the efficiency and color quality of displays and lighting.

CQDs are cost-effective and scalable, which makes them more accessible for widespread use in areas like renewable energy, electronics, and environmental monitoring…Overall, CQDs provide a safer, more efficient alternative for a range of applications, from healthcare to energy and technology.

Persia Ada de Yro on the industrial applicability of CQDs

With De Yro’s background as a metallurgical engineer, and mastery of research in materials synthesis and characterization for semiconductors, electronics, industrial applications, nanotechnology, additive manufacturing, and metal alloys, the CQD is positioned toward a favorable future of long-term advancements, and practical industrial solutions.

Monitoring the Future: CQD’s potential

As the global demand for eco-friendly materials grows, CQDs are proving to be essential in environmental monitoring. Their ability to detect pollutants and function in advanced sensor technology makes them a crucial tool in efforts to protect the planet. Whether used for water quality assessment, air pollution tracking, or chemical sensing, CQDs offer a sustainable solution to global environmental challenges.

The CQDs are shown to react differently based on their position and absorption of the ultraviolet rays positioned near them.

De Yro shared their interest in partnering with medical research institutions and healthcare companies to explore CQDs in biosensors, medical imaging, and diagnostics. She added that the non-toxic and tunable fluorescence properties of CQDs make it an ideal candidate for early disease detection and imaging applications.

Beyond healthcare, CQDs aim to revolutionize the energy and electronics sectors. By integrating CQDs into photovoltaic systems, researchers are working towards more cost-effective and sustainable energy production methods. These tiny yet powerful nanomaterials hold promise for enhancing energy efficiency and broadening the possibilities for clean technology.

In the field of renewable energy, CQDs have demonstrated potential in improving solar energy conversion efficiency and energy storage solutions. Collaborating with renewable energy companies could accelerate advancements in clean energy technologies, making sustainable power sources more accessible and efficient. Meanwhile, in environmental monitoring, CQDs can be used to develop highly sensitive sensors for detecting pollutants and tracking environmental changes.

Another promising area is electronics, where CQDs can enhance energy-efficient lighting, displays, and optoelectronic devices. By working with electronics companies, DOST-ITDI can harness CQDs' unique properties to develop more sustainable and high-performance technologies.

With the help of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), CQD was able to establish meaningful linkages at the CES 2025.

De Yro shared their plans to leverage the momentum they gathered from the exhibition, working on building upon the awareness they established in the international tech scene. Additionally, she shared her excitement about refining CQD through feedback and benchmarking with industry experts, and potential adopters.

Showing gratitude towards the opportunity for global visibility, de Yro expressed how CQD is now one step closer to achieving its goal to revolutionize the industries of healthcare, renewable energy, electronics, and environmental monitoring solutions. She said that DOST was very instrumental in the development and commercialization of this technology.

DOST -TAPI is an invaluable partner, providing a gateway to the right venues to showcase and promote locally-developed technologies and inventions in the global/international arena. We need Technology Ambassadors who are skilled in marketing and management of Philippine technologies and inventions.

Persia Ada de Yro on DOST-TAPI’s contributions to CQD

Carbon Quantum Dots (EcoDots), welcomes collaborations, partnerships, investments, and licensing opportunities. Interested in the future of eco-friendly solutions? Connect with Project Leader, Persia Ada N. de Yro, PhD, at ipandeyro@itdi.dost.gov.ph to explore the possibilities.

** This article is part of the "PhilippiNOW: Philippines’ New Opportunities, Worldwide" campaign for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025. For more information and event updates, please visit the DOST-TAPI website at www.tapi.dost.gov.ph. For media inquiries, please get in touch with Ms. Mirielle Vacal at +639567113145 or Mr. Heherson Valdez at +639064477735, or email ccu@tapi.dost.gov.ph **