Abstract:
A facile, simple and low-cost approach for synthesizing highly fluorescent carbon quantum
dots (CQDs) is reported. Wool consists of amino acids linked together by peptide linkages is
abundant in C, N, H, O and S. Due to the presence of N containing chemical compounds can
be used to synthesize CQD with relatively high quantum yield. Carbon quantum dots (CQDs),
as an emerging type of fluorescent nanomaterial, have drawn the attention in recent years due
to their unique properties, such as low-cost, easy synthesis, good water dispersibility, stable
fluorescence, low toxicity and biocompatibility. Herein, we report a novel and simple approach
for synthesizing highly fluorescent CQDs by a one-step thermal treatment of merino wool
fibers. The as-prepared CQDs with a quantum yield (QY) of 30 % showed excitationdependent emission behavior, excellent photo stability and high stability in high salt conditions.
We have studied the application of CQDs as nanosensors for metal ions. The CQDs can be
utilized to detect Hg2+ with good selectivity and sensitivity via Hg2+ induced fluorescence
quenching mechanism. TEM and AFM analysis showed the prepared CQD are in the size range
of 7-9 nm. The derived CQDs are rich in nitrogen and oxygen with hydroxyl, carboxyl and
amine groups.
