Green synthesis of multi-doped carbon dots from Prickly Pear in the presence of nitrogen, phosphorus, and nitrogen-phosphorus solutions

Abstract

Carbon dots (CDs) have gained popularity in research due to their desirable characteristics in electrical, catalytic, and optical applications. The exploration of unique carbon sources with complex chemical compositions can open avenues for the straightforward production of multi-doped nanomaterials. In particular, prickly pear has distinctive properties and a mineral-rich composition, and high production yields under low water usage conditions. In this work, prickly pears were used to prepare fluorescent green multi-doped CDs through a carbonization technique in the presence of nitrogen, phosphorus, and nitrogen-phosphorus solutions at 180°C for 7 hours. Results from different characterization techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis, and Potential demonstrated the functionalization of the surface, semi-crystalline structures, a broad absorbance at the UV range with a strong peak at 275 nm, stability in water, and negative surface charge of nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs), phosphorus-doped carbon dots (PCDs), and nitrogen-phosphorus doped carbon dots (NPCDs). Overall, the prickly pear was demonstrated to be a suitable source for synthesizing multi-doped CDs while maintaining nano-synthesis towards sustainable and eco-friendly directions.