 In this study, researchers investigated the effect of different reaction conditions on the formation of multicolored carbon dots, CDs. They found that different acid-base conditions led to different reactions between the precursor molecules, resulting in different fluorophore structures and aggregation into CDs. This process was further enhanced by the inhibition of the movement of the fluorescent centers, leading to increased photoluminescence. This article was authored by Yenli, Kinlu, Hao Sun, and others.