Novel fluorescent matrix embedded carbon quantum dots for the production of stable gold and silver hydrosols

A facile one step route has been developed for the synthesis of highly fluorescent matrix embedded carbon quantum dots (MCQDs) by the assistance of microwave irradiation. The material shows a homogeneous distribution of carbon quantum dots throughout the surfaces of the carbon matrices with an average size of 1 to 3 nm. The synthetic MCQDs can be employed as excellent catalysts during the synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles.