IMPROVING CARBON DOTS OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF MOLASSES USING EDTA AS A PASSIVATION AGENT WITH THE MICROWAVE METHOD

Abstract

Synthesis of carbon dots from molasses using the microwave method with the addition of EDTA as a passivation agent has been carried out. Addition of EDTA to improve the optical properties of the carbon dots. The resulting carbon dots were characterized by UV, UV-Visible, PL, FTIR, and TEM lamps. A physical test of carbon dots under a UV lamp showed a change in light intensity, carbon dots with the addition of a passivation agent were brighter than those without a passivation agent. Analysis of the optical properties of carbon dots using UV-Vis spectrophotometer and photoluminescence showed a significant increase in absorbance intensity and emission intensity from 500 a.u to 3600 a.u. FTIR analysis shows the formation of carbon dots which are indicated by the presence of C=C, O-H, C-H, C-O-C, and C-N groups at certain wavenumbers. TEM analysis showed that the carbon dots produced had an average diameter of 1.8 nm. From the analysis, it is identified that the addition of EDTA can improve carbon dots’ optical properties.