Generation of Random laser from Dye-Derived Red-Emitting Carbon Dots

<p>Carbon dots are carbon-based nanoparticles&nbsp;renowned for their intense light-emitting capabilities covering&nbsp;the whole visible light range.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here, we overcome these problems by solvothermally synthesizing carbon dots starting from Neutral&nbsp;Red, a common red-emitting dye, as a molecular precursor. The obtained nanoparticles are highly&nbsp;luminescent in the red region, with a quantum yield comparable to that of the starting dye. Most importantly, the nanoparticle&nbsp;carbogenic matrix protects the Neutral Red molecules from photobleaching under ultraviolet excitation while preventing&nbsp;aggregation-induced quenching, thus allowing solid-state emission inside PVA. Finally, the dye-based carbon dots demonstrate stable and efficient random lasing emission in the red region.</p>