Carbon based, cadmium-free quantum dots starting from low cost and environmentally friendly common precursors
Sergio Ferrer1, Ioan Valentin Tudose2*, Mirela Suchea2*
1 EMFUTUR Advanced Materials Ltd., llaurador n5, 12540, Vila-real, Spain
2 Center of Materials Technology and Photonics, School of Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
Abstract:
The pursuit of non-toxic, sustainable alternatives to conventional semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), particularly those based on cadmium or other heavy metals, has accelerated interest in carbon-based luminescent nanomaterials. The present presentation regards cadmium-free carbon quantum dots (CQDs) using common, low-cost precursors such as glucose, sucrose, and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) obtained vias a facile, low-temperature, and environmentally friendly synthesis. By tailoring reaction parameters including temperature, pH, and precursor ratios, controlled emission across the visible spectrum can be achieved, with distinct red- and blue-emitting CQDs obtained from specific precursor combinations. The as-prepared CQDs exhibit high photostability, excitation-dependent emission behaviour, and quantum yields and seem to be suitable for optoelectronic, sensing, and biomedical imaging applications. Importantly, this synthetic route avoids the use of hazardous solvents or surface passivating agents, offering a scalable and sustainable platform for next-generation QD fabrication. The present work contributes to advances the field of green nanomaterials and may be providing a potential pathway for replacing heavy-metal-based QDs in light-emitting and diagnostic technologies.
Acknowledgments:
This work was partially supported by INFRACHIP program EU Horizon Europe Grant No 101131822 as the access visit financed in Proposal 010 INFRACHIP at HMU Greece.
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