▎ 摘　　要

Plants remove efficiently atmospheric pollution by soot particles, yet the mechanisms used by leaves to capture soot particles are unclear. Here, we studied the adsorption of carbon black, as a model of soot particles, on a linear alkane, C36H74, as a model of leaf plant wax, by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. We also studied the uptake of soot particles by Platanus acerifolia tree leaves by laser scanning microscopy. In particular, we used fluorescent amino-functionalized graphene quantum dots to follow the penetration of submicron particles into plant organs. Results show that graphene quantum dots penetrate the mechanical barriers of the leaf stomata and eventually relocate in the mesophyll system of Platanus acerifolia tree leaves. Soot levels can be decreased by 50% with the linear alkane. Soot adsorption proceeds partly by hydrogen bonding. Overall, Platanus acerifolia tree leaves are promising means for reducing soot from ambient air.