Microwave synthesized N-doped carbon dots for dual mode detection of Hg (II) ion and degradation of malachite green dye

One of the most intriguing materials today is carbon dots, which offer a variety of possible uses owing to their distinct photophysical and chemical characteristics. The current study examines the electrochemical and photochemical aspects of carbon dots produced in a single pot for environmental sustainability. Domestic microwave-assisted pyrolysis of urea and glucose yielded chemically synthesized nitrogen-doped carbon dots (microwave synthesized N-doped carbon dots (M-NCDs)) with blue fluorescence and a quantum yield of 14.9 %. High water dispersibility, stability, and biocompatibility were the significant attributes of synthesized M-NCDs. Customarily fluorescent carbon dots were initially used for sensing studies. Fluorescent and electrochemical studies manifest the excellent stability, sensitivity, and selectivity of M-NCDs for mercuric ions. Both methods' Hg (II) procure detection limits of 3.5 nM and 6.1 nM. In addition to sensing traits, the subsequent section deals with the potential of M-NDCs to bring about the exhaustive degradation of malachite green (MG) dye. Within 60 min, 98 % of the dye was catalytically degraded by M-NCD by first-order kinetics based on the LangmuirHinshelwood model. This is the first time reporting the catalytic degradation of malachite green dye utilizing carbon dot in its natural form rather than being doped with any metal atom or converted to any composite form.

Automated summary

This study investigated the electrochemical and photochemical properties of nitrogen-doped carbon dots synthesized through microwave-assisted pyrolysis. The synthesized carbon dots exhibited high water dispersibility, stability, and biocompatibility. They showed excellent stability, sensitivity, and selectivity for mercury ion detection and were also capable of efficiently degrading malachite green dye.