One-pot synthesis of green-emitting nitrogen-doped carbon dots from xylose

Abstract

Carbon dots (CDs) are interesting carbon nanomaterials that exhibit great photoluminescent features, low cytotoxicity, and excellent water stability and solubility. For these reasons, many fields are starting to integrate their use for a variety of purposes. The catalytic performance of VOPO4 has been evaluated in the synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs). The synthesis reaction was carried out at 180 °C using VOPO4 as a heterogeneous catalyst for 2 to 4 h of reaction time. After reaction, the N-CDs were purified using a novel method for the protection of the functional groups over the surfaces of the N-CDs. The morphological, superficial, and photoelectronic properties of the N-CDs were thoroughly studied by means of TEM, HRTEM, XPS, and photoluminescence measurements. The conversion of the carbon precursor was followed by HPLC. After three catalytic runs, the catalyst was still active while ensuring the quality of the N-CDs obtained. After the third cycle, the catalyst was regenerated, and it recovered its full activity. The obtained N-CDs showed a great degree of oxidized groups in their surfaces that translated into high photoluminescence when irradiated under different lasers. Due to the observed photoelectronic properties, they were then assayed in the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange.