Biomass-Derived Red-Blue Solvatochromic Carbon Quantum Dots for UV-Blocking and Active Packaging Applications
Tanachporn Lukprang1, Pakorn Preechaburana1,2, Supaluck Amloy1,2
1Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand.
ACS Physical Chemistry Au
|July 25, 2026
Summary
Biomass-derived carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from mangosteen leaves exhibit tunable colors and enhanced properties. These CQDs show potential for advanced UV-protective and active food packaging applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Biomass-derived carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are emerging nanomaterials with tunable optical properties.
- Developing CQDs for specific applications requires understanding the relationship between their structure and function.
- Sustainable synthesis routes for CQDs are crucial for their widespread adoption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize CQDs from mangosteen leaves using a solvent-mediated hydrothermal method.
- To investigate the influence of solvent polarity on CQD structure, optical properties, and functionalities.
- To evaluate the potential of these CQDs in multifunctional packaging applications, including UV-blocking and active packaging.
Main Methods:
- Solvent-mediated hydrothermal synthesis of CQDs from mangosteen leaves.
- Morphological and structural characterization using techniques like TEM, SEM, and spectroscopy.
- Evaluation of optical properties (emission color, tunability) and their correlation with CQD structure.
- Assessment of antioxidant and antibacterial activities.
- Fabrication and testing of CQD-incorporated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanocomposite films for UV-blocking and food packaging.
Main Results:
- Solvent polarity controlled CQD carbonization, particle size, and surface chemistry, leading to distinct red-emissive (R-CQDs) and blue-emissive (B-CQDs) variants.
- R-CQDs exhibited excitation-independent red emission, larger sp2 domains, and higher hydroxyl content.
- B-CQDs showed excitation-tunable blue-green emission, smaller sp2 domains, and more oxygen/nitrogen functionalities.
- R-CQDs demonstrated superior antioxidant and exclusive antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus.
- R-CQD/PVA films provided enhanced UV-blocking and delayed tomato ripening by 7-14 days.
Conclusions:
- A clear correlation exists between solvent, CQD structure, and functional properties.
- Biomass-derived CQDs offer a sustainable platform for developing multifunctional materials.
- These CQDs show significant promise for advanced UV-protective and active food packaging solutions.
