Exploring Biomass-Derived Carbon Dots as Multifunctional Fluorescent Material for Metal Ion Sensing and
Keshav Dev1,2, Shiva Singh2, Shakshi Bhardwaj2
1Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India.
Chempluschem
|October 13, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed eco-friendly carbon dots (CDs) from Saccharum spontaneum for sensitive lead ion (Pb2+) detection. These CDs show promise as a reliable sensor and fluorescent ink.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Lead contamination poses significant environmental and human health risks, particularly in water.
- Conventional lead detection methods often lack sensitivity or selectivity.
- Biomass-derived carbon dots (CDs) offer a promising, eco-friendly alternative for sensing applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize carbon dots (CDs) from Saccharum spontaneum biomass.
- To develop a sensitive fluorescence-quenching sensor for lead ion (Pb2+) detection.
- To explore the potential of these CDs in anticounterfeiting applications.
Main Methods:
- Hydrothermal synthesis of carbon dots (CDs) from Saccharum spontaneum.
- Characterization of CDs using optical spectroscopy.
- Evaluation of fluorescence quenching response to varying concentrations of lead ions (Pb2+).
Main Results:
- Synthesized CDs exhibited fluorescence properties.
- A significant fluorescence quenching of CDs was observed in the presence of lead ions (Pb2+).
- The sensor demonstrated a low detection limit of 376 nM for lead ions (Pb2+).
Conclusions:
- Biomass-derived carbon dots (CDs) are effective fluorescent sensors for lead ion (Pb2+) detection.
- The developed sensor offers high sensitivity and selectivity for lead.
- CDs show potential for use as fluorescent ink in anticounterfeiting technologies.
