Formation of Carbon Quantum Dots via Hydrothermal Carbonization: Investigate the Effect of Precursors

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are nanomaterials with a particle size range of 2 to 10 nm. CQDs have wide applications such as medical diagnostics, bio-imaging, biosensors, coatings, solar cells, and photocatalysis. Although the effect various experimental parameters, synthesis method, reaction time, etc., been investigated, different feedstocks on has not studied yet. In this study, were synthesized from hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, microcrystalline cellulose via hydrothermal carbonization at 220 °C for 30 min residence time. The produced showed green luminescence behavior under short-wavelength UV light. Furthermore, optical properties investigated using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy emission spectrophotometer, while morphology chemical bonds transmission electron microscopy Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Results that all precursors absorption but these highly dependent type precursor. For instance, mean sizes 6.36 ± 0.54, 5.35 0.56, 3.94 0.60 nm cellulose, respectively, which appeared similar trends in intensities. addition, experienced functionality (e.g., C=O, O-H, C-O) resulting behavior.