Boron Nitride Quantum Dots Derived from Renewable Lignin

Abstract

AbstractAlthough numerous attempts have been reported, however, efficient and facile approach about the preparation of boron nitride quantum dots (BNQDs) is yet to be explored. Here we have developed a biomass‐directed suitable strategy from steam exploded rice straw lignin (SERSL) toward mass production of high‐quality BNQDs with quantum yields (QY) as high as 18.2%. Few‐layered BNQDs have a mean lateral size of several nanometers and a thickness ranging from 0.5 nm to 2 nm as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM). The BNQDs as‐prepared emit bright and stable blue colors of luminescence under ultraviolet‐light excitation. In addition, the BNQDs also exhibit low cytotoxicity and excellent cellular imaging capability. We believe that these BNQDs probably trigger potentially applications on lightemitting diodes and bioimaging in a green way.