Synthesis, characterization, photoluminescent properties of carbon quantum dots and its applications in wastewater treatment

Abstract

Carbon-based nanomaterials are currently gaining attention in wastewater treatment. They have gained a prime position in membrane filtration to degrade pollutants. One of the most recent additions to the field of carbon-based nanomaterials is quantum dots (QDs). Due to their exceptional qualities, QDs are among the most promising carbon-based nanomaterials at the forefront of the wastewater treatment research field. Nonetheless, most quantum dots were not sustainably fabricated. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the carbon-based carbon quantum dots derived from biomass wastes (rubber seed shells) where the properties, behaviour and photoluminescence characteristics were evaluated through several characterization analyses. The QDs were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), photoluminescence spectroscopy, zeta potential analyser and Raman spectroscopy. The morphological analysis revealed multi-layered planes with highly porous and uneven surfaces, consisting of a large number of oxygen-functional groups (hydroxyl, carboxyl, carbonyl). The mapping results showed a large uniform distribution of carbon and oxygen elements on the surface of QDs with a more signified composition of wt% carbon (72.4%) compared to oxygen elements, with 23.6%. The spectroscopic and photoluminescence studies confirmed the fabrication of high-quality carbon quantum dots with blue-greenish fluorescence emissions. These results have shown promising biomass-based QDs that can be applied in wastewater treatment based on their unique characteristics. Thus, the derived biomass-based QDs can be viewed as a promising and cost-effective adsorbent for wastewater and water treatment.

Preparation of carbon quantum dot fluorescent probe from waste fruit peel and its use for the detection of dopamine

“…CQDs are commonly used in the elds of biosmall molecule detection and bioimaging. 9 The methods for synthesizing CQDs include top-down and bottom-up approaches, such as hydrothermal, microwave, and electrochemical methods. 10 Gopi Kalaiyarasan et al synthesized phosphorus-doped uorescent carbon quantum dots (P-CQDs) using trisodium citrate and phosphoric acid via a hydrothermal method for the detection of iron.…”