Facile Synthesis of Fluorescent Carbon Nanodots from Cornstalk and Their Application as a Sensing Platform for Detection of Cu2+ Ions

Fluorescent carbon nanodots were successfully prepared via a simple and facile combustion method using cornstalk as carbon source. The structure, morphological features, surface status, chemical composition and photoluminescence properties of the obtained carbon nanodots were characterized by using various spectroscopic techniques and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicated that the as-prepared carbon nanodots showed favorable photoluminescent properties and included the large quantity of hydrophilic functional groups. As an optical sensor for detecting Cu2+ ions, the carbon nanodots exhibited high detection sensitivity and selectivity. Overall, the present preparation method of carbon nanodots holds significance in the search of low-cost and large-scale synthesis approaches to carbon nanomaterials by using agriculture straw as carbon source. The as-derived carbon nanodots have great potential in several technological areas.