Abstract
Green-synthesized nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs), offering an excellent platform for the ultra-sensitive dual detection of tannic acid and Hg2+ ions, were explored in this work. The N-CQDs were synthesized in a straightforward, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly hydrothermal method. These N-CQDs exhibited remarkable and dynamic “on-off-on” luminescent characteristics, demonstrating an exceptional sensitivity and selectivity towards tannic acid and Hg2+ ions. The specific interactions between the N-CQDs and tannic acid, along with the reversible binding with Hg2+ ions, contribute to the distinct dual-detection capabilities. The sensing system covers a linear concentration range of 10–80 µM to tannic acid and 0.1 to 1 nm for Hg2+, showcasing its versatility for different concentration range with a lower detection limit of 25 nM and 3 nM, respectively. Furthermore, the N-CQDs displayed high stability and minimal interference from typical interfering species, making them a desirable tool for environmental monitoring and quality control. Validation through real sample analysis substantiates the accuracy and reliability of the developed sensing approach in practical scenarios. This study not only underscores the promise of green-synthesized N-CQDs as enhanced fluorescence probes but also contributes to the development of efficient and environmentally friendly materials for dual sensing applications.
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Data availability
Raw data were generated at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai using the facilities with Project No. 31/03/2014-15/PVSE-R&D, Government of India. Derived data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author on request.
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Acknowledgements
We acknowledge the HRTEM, and XRD facilities at SRMIST, which were built with funding from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) (Project No. 31/03/2014-15/PVSE-R&D), Government of India. The authors also acknowledge the financial support from GRT Institute of Engineering & Technology, Tiruttani for the consumables used for the study.
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Conceptualization: K. Periyarselvam; methodology: P. Sivakumar, Kanimozhi S, R. Elavarasi; formal analysis and investigation: K. Periyarselvam, P. Sivakumar; writing—original draft preparation: Kanimozhi S, R. Elavarasi; writing—review and editing: K. Periyarselvam; funding acquisition: K. Periyarselvam; resources: K. Periyarselvam, P. Sivakumar; supervision: K. Periyarselvam.
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Periyarselvam, K., Sivakumar, P., Kanimozhi, S. et al. One-pot hydrothermal method of green-synthesized nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots for ultra-sensitive dual detection of tannic acid and Hg2+ ions. Appl Nanosci 14, 649–662 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13204-024-03036-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13204-024-03036-z