A novel kind of quantum dots, sulfur quantum dots (S dots), is synthesized by simply treating sublimated sulfur powders with alkali using polyethylene glycol-400 as passivation agents. The synthesized S dots exhibit excellent aqueous dispersibility, eminent photostability and temperature dependent photoluminescence (PL). An "assemble-fission" mechanism is proposed for the S dots formation in which "assembling" and "fission" are involved and contest each other. The ultimate morphologies of the S dots are dependent on the balance of the two forces. Guided by the assemble-fission mechanism, weakening the assembling effect is beneficial for obtaining monodisperse S dots, which can be achieved by pretreating of sulfur powder with nitric acid. PL wavelength of the S dots has been successfully tuned between green and blue light (from 550 to 440 nm) by simply controlling reaction time. A satisfactory quantum yield of 3.8% is obtained. Significant electrochemiluminescence of the S dots is observed in an annihilation reaction. Chemiluminescence from the S dots has been observed by direct oxidation. Taking advantage of unique and inherent antimicrobial activity of the sulfur particles, it is believed that this new emerging luminescent nanomaterial is highly promising in the development of new types of optoelectronic devices and tracer for live cells, in vivo imaging and diagnostics.

中文翻译：

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升华硫裂变中硫量子点的组装

以聚乙二醇400为钝化剂，将升华的硫磺粉简单地用碱处理，合成了一种新型的量子点——硫量子点（S dots）。合成的 S 点表现出优异的水分散性、出色的光稳定性和温度依赖性光致发光 (PL)。针对S点的形成提出了“组装-裂变”机制，其中“组装”和“裂变”相互竞争。S 点的最终形态取决于两种力的平衡。在组装-裂变机制的引导下，减弱组装效应有利于获得单分散的S点，这可以通过用硝酸对硫粉进行预处理来实现。通过简单地控制反应时间，S 点的 PL 波长已在绿光和蓝光（从 550 到 440 nm）之间成功调谐。获得了令人满意的 3.8% 的量子产率。在湮灭反应中观察到 S 点的显着电化学发光。通过直接氧化观察到来自 S 点的化学发光。利用硫颗粒独特和固有的抗菌活性，相信这种新兴的发光纳米材料在开发新型光电器件和活细胞示踪剂、体内成像和诊断方面非常有前景。通过直接氧化观察到来自 S 点的化学发光。利用硫颗粒独特和固有的抗菌活性，相信这种新兴的发光纳米材料在开发新型光电器件和活细胞示踪剂、体内成像和诊断方面非常有前景。通过直接氧化观察到来自 S 点的化学发光。利用硫颗粒独特和固有的抗菌活性，相信这种新兴的发光纳米材料在开发新型光电器件和活细胞示踪剂、体内成像和诊断方面非常有前景。