Carbon Quantum Dots for Long-Term Protection against UV Degradation and Acidification in Paper-Based Relics

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemistry
• Conservation Science

Background:

• Paper-based cultural relics are susceptible to degradation from UV light and acidification.
• Environmental factors pose significant threats to the long-term preservation of historical documents and artifacts.
• Existing preservation methods require improvement to address complex degradation pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple and effective method for preparing carbon quantum dots (CQDs) for paper preservation.
• To evaluate the protective capabilities of CQDs against UV photodegradation and acid degradation.
• To explore the potential of CQDs as multifunctional materials for heritage conservation.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with high dispersion stability and photostability.
• Application of CQDs onto paper samples for protection.
• Accelerated aging experiments using UV and dry-heat methods on both protected and unprotected paper.
• Analysis of degradation slowdown through oxidation and acid degradation process monitoring.

Main Results:

• CQDs demonstrated excellent UV absorption and photostability.
• CQD-protected paper showed a significant slowdown in oxidation and acid degradation under UV and dry-heat aging.
• CQDs exhibited both fluorescence and room-temperature phosphorescence, enabling optical anticounterfeiting properties.
• The prepared CQDs were highly water-soluble and safe for application.

Conclusions:

• Carbon quantum dots provide an effective and multifunctional solution for protecting paper-based cultural relics.
• CQDs mitigate UV and acid-induced degradation, enhancing the longevity of heritage materials.
• This research opens new avenues for utilizing carbon nanomaterials in cultural heritage conservation and anticounterfeiting.