Synthesis and physicochemical characterization of carbon quantum dots produced from folic acid

Abstract

The rising interest in carbon dots (c-dots) is driven by their remarkable potential in the field of biomedical applications. This is due to their distinctive and adjustable photoluminescence characteristics, outstanding physicochemical properties, excellent photostability, and biocompatibility. Herein, carbon dots were successfully produced via the heat synthesis method and characterization for physical and chemical properties using UV–Vis spectrophotometer, photoluminescence spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared and Raman spectroscopy, Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and quantum yield. The resulting carbon dots exhibited a distinct blue fluorescence upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation with a 366 nm wavelength. The photoluminescence spectrum of carbon dots displayed a fluorescence peak around 470 nm when excited with a 325 nm wavelength. The synthesized carbon dots demonstrated thermal stability and maintained photoluminescence intensity under different pH conditions, including neutral and alkaline mediums, and good salt resistance ability. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of structural defects within the carbon dots, which are associated with the presence of hybrid groups on their surface. Fourier-transform infrared analysis detected various carbon-bonded, nitrogen-bonded, and oxygen-bonded units. The quantum yield was around 8.9%. These findings from our experiments indicate that the manufactured carbon dots possess substantial promise for a wide range of applications within the biotechnology field.