BIO-MASS-DERIVED FLUORESCENT CARBON QUANTUM DOTS FROM GOOSEBERRY FOR OPTICAL APPLICATION

Abstract

This work explores nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs), synthesized using Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica) fruit extract as a carbon precursor. The biomass-derived approach offers advantages, including environmental sustainability, low production costs, and improved compatibility for biological applications. The structural and morphological characteristics of synthesized QDs were examined using X-ray diffraction and Transmission electron microscopy, while optical properties were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The XRD pattern exhibited a prominent diffraction peak at 26.44°, indicating the crystalline nature of the QDs. TEM analysis confirmed the formation of CQDs with a size of 2.93±0.02 nm. The UV-Vis spectrum demonstrates strong absorption at 252 nm, whereas PL spectra depict an excitationdependent emission in the wavelength range of 290-450 nm accompanied by a red-shift. These results establish synthesized QDs as highly stable, sensitive and selective PL probes, highlighting their potential for environmental sensing applications.