One-pot green synthesis of carbon quantum dot for biological application

Abstract

A one-pot microwave assisted method for synthesizing carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from honey is presented in this paper. The structural, morphological and optical properties of synthesized CQDs were characterized by XRD, TEM, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, and Raman techniques. The average particle size of CQDs is found to be 2 to 7 nm. The main advantage of this work is the use of inexpensive, less toxic and environmental friendly precursors and synthesis procedure for CQDs. In addition to this, the particle size of prepared CQDs was found to be ultrafine with narrow size distribution. The as-prepared CQDs, with smaller particle size, good stability, good optical properties, water dispersibility and low toxicity, show promising potential for applications in biomedical field.