Synthesis and characterization of highly luminescent N-doped carbon quantum dots for metal ion sensing

ABSTRACT

In the present study, highly luminescent N-doped carbon quantum dots were synthesized by surface passivation of citric acid using Ethylenediamine. As synthesized NCQDs were characterized using different techniques as TEM, DLS zetasizer, UV-Visible spectroscopy and Photoluminescence spectroscopy. N-CQDs were found to have the approx 6.7 nm diameter and spherical shape as confirmed from TEM. UV-Vis absorption spectra at wavelength 350 nm (λ_max = 350 nm) confirmed their formation in the solution. From photoluminescence spectroscopy, it was found these NCQDs emits at wavelength 450 nm ((λ_ex = 350 nm, λ_em = 450 nm). As-synthesized N-doped CQDs were successfully used for fe³⁺ ion detection relying on the quenching mechanism.

KEYWORDS:

• Carbon dots
• doped
• quenching
• iron detection

Acknowledgment

The authors of the study are very thankful to Director, Central Scientific Instruments Organization, Chandigarh, for the support and encouragement provided for the work.