The covalent surface functionalization of carbon nanodots (CNDs) can facilitate the design and development of nanocarbon hybrids with photoswitching properties, which can be applied in a wide range of applications, including sensing, optoelectronics, and even bio-applications. This study underscores the potential utilization of these hybrids as photoresponsive materials, for potential application in optostimulation. In this study, we examine the characteristics of covalent azobenzene-functionalized CNDs, with a particular emphasis on the impact of meta and para connectivity and the additional introduction of a glycine spacer. The CND synthesis process comprises a bottom-up microwave condensation of ethylenediamine and citric acid. Amide coupling to azobenzenes is confirmed through NMR diffusion-ordered spectroscopy and diffusion decay analysis. A comprehensive investigation is conducted into the size and optical properties of the resulting hybrids. Moreover, time-dependent density functional theory computations are employed to understand absorption spectra and charge transfer events. Furthermore, advanced optical characterisation is utilised to examine energy/charge transfer between the constituents. Finally, the switching properties, fatigue resistance, and half-life of the hybrids are studied to evaluate their performance for prospective applications like in optostimulation.

Center for Materials Research Justus Liebig University Heinrich Buff Ring 16 35392 Giessen Germany

Chemical and Biological Systems Simulation Lab Centre of New Technologies University of Warsaw 2c Banacha Street 02 097 Warszawa Poland

Department of Applied Science and Technology Politecnico di Torino C so Duca degli Abruzzi 24 10129 Torino Italy

Department of Chemical Sciences University of Padova and INSTM UdR Padova via Marzolo 1 35131 Padova Italy

Institute of Organic Chemistry Justus Liebig University Heinrich Buff Ring 17 35392 Giessen Germany

Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Goethe University Max von Laue Strasse 7 60438 Frankfurt Germany

Institute of Physical Chemistry Justus Liebig University Heinrich Buff Ring 17 35392 Giessen Germany

Institute of Physical Chemistry University of Muenster Corrensstrasse 28 30 48149 Muenster Germany

IT4Innovations VSB Technical University of Ostrava 17 listopadu 2172 15 70800 Ostrava Poruba Czech Republic

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