Carbon quantum dots unlock new nonlinear electronic behaviors

• A new study, with participation of IFISC researchers, reveals that carbon quantum dots can exhibit a rich variety of nonlinear electronic behaviors at room temperature.
• The research, published in Applied Physics Letters, uncovers how interactions between quantum dots and electron traps paves the way for more compact and versatile 3D electronic devices.

As electronic devices continue to shrink, the demand for materials that deliver more performance in less space has never been higher. This drive toward ever smaller, smarter devices is fueling the rise of 3D integration, a technological leap that’s redefining the evolution of multichip modules and compact hardware design. Now, a new study reveals that carbon quantum dots (CQDs) could be the key to unlocking a new era of electronic miniaturization. 

In a recent study published in Applied Physics Letters, an international team with the participation of researchers from IFISC (UIB-CSIC), discovered that carbon dots, tiny particles made of carbon, can act like various electronic parts. Depending on how these dots are connected to electrodes and to each other, they can function as resistors, diodes, or even more sophisticated circuit elements. This opens the door to simpler, more compact electronics. 

“This work shows what is possible when scientists and engineers across disciplines and sectors collaborate”, explains IFISC researcher David Sánchez. “By combining theory and hands-on experimentation, we uncovered surprising new behaviors in carbon dots, and took real steps toward turning that discovery into practical technology”. 

Beyond miniaturization, the multifunctional nature of CQDs could enable novel applications such as advanced electrostatic protection, smart sensors, and components for quantum information technologies. Their biocompatibility and scalable production also make them attractive for a wide range of industrial and research applications. “Our results suggest that CQDs constitute a versatile materials platform for 3D integrated electronic purposes” concludes Sánchez.

Image: Left: Sample seen under transmission electron microscopy with a typical scale of 9 nanometers (left). Colored and grey particles are carbon quantum dots. Right: zoomed image of a carbon quantum dot.

Scott Copeland, Sungguen Ryu, Kazunari Imai, Nicholas Krasco, Zhixiang Lu, David Sánchez, Paul Czubarow; Nonlinear transport in carbon quantum dot electronic devices: Experiment and theory. Appl. Phys. Lett. 9 June 2025; 126 (23): 232104. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0263294

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