Acid-driven, microwave-assisted production of photoluminescent carbon nitride dots from N,N-dimethylformamide

In this communication, we report on acid-driven, microwave-assisted production of fluorescent carbon nitride dots (CNDs) on a large scale by microwave irradiation of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solution in the presence of acids including chlorosulfonic acid (CSA), H2SO4, HCl, or HNO3. It suggests these CNDs are well water-soluble and exhibit strong fluorescence.