Green synthesis of carbon quantum dots using natural plant extracts and optimization of optical properties

Abstract

In this study, a facile, eco-friendly and cost-effective method was developed for the synthesis of fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) using a mixture of cherry extracts (as carbon precursors), leek and savory (as doping agents) and without the use of any chemicals. The synthesis was carried out via a hydrothermal method at different temperatures (170–180 °C) and reaction times. The optical properties were characterized using UV-Vis and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, while FTIR was used to study the surface functional groups. Our results show that the optical behavior of the synthesized CQDs can be tuned by changing the synthesis parameters, resulting in light emission from blue to green. This work highlights the potential of using common agricultural wastes to fabricate fluorescent nanomaterials for future sensing and optical applications.