Abstract
A green method for an efficient synthesis of water-soluble carbon nanoparticles (CNPs), graphitic shell encapsulated carbon nanocubes (CNCs), Carbon dots (CDs) using Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) is demonstrated. Here, we describe a competent molecular fusion and fission route for step-wise synthesis of CDs. Camphor on acidification and carbonization forms CNPs, which on alkaline hydrolysis form CNCs that are encapsulated by thick graphitic layers and on further reduction by sodium borohydride yielded CDs. Though excitation wavelength dependent photoluminescence is observed in all the three carbon nanostructures, CDs possess enhanced photoluminescent properties due to more defective carbonaceous structures. The surface hydroxyl and carboxyl functional groups make them water soluble in nature. They possess excellent photostability, higher quantum yield, increased absorption, decreased cytotoxicity and hence can be utilized as a proficient bio imaging agent.
Highlights
Controlled synthesis of Carbon dots (CDs) if the starting raw material already possesses small domain structure of the sp[2] carbons and these nanostructures can be isolated efficiently
Camphor is a latex of Cinnamomum camphora that has been exploited for decades, as a precursor for synthesis of fullerenes[10], carbon tubules[11], glassy carbon[12], diamond-like carbon[13], carbon nanobeads[14] semiconducting carbon15. and single/multi-walled carbon nanotubes[16]
We demonstrate a facile synthesis of CDs from camphor which is known to be an insect repellent and disinfectant in sweets
Summary
Controlled synthesis of CDs if the starting raw material already possesses small domain structure of the sp[2] carbons and these nanostructures can be isolated efficiently.
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