One-Pot Synthesis of Carbon Quantum Dots and Their Application as a Fluorescent Inks

Abstract

A facile, low cost, and one-pot hydrothermal reaction method is utilized to synthesized highly stable and durable carbon quantum dots (CQDs) by using laurus nobilis leaves as a carbon source. Laurus nobilis leaves were subjected to hydrothermal reaction at 175 °C for 10 h. The color of obtained CQDs under UV-light is bright blue fluorescence. The excitation dependent fluorescent emission of the prepared CQDs was observed and the obtained CQDs gives maximum emission at 425 nm when excited at 344 nm. The absorption peak of the CQDs is located at 279 nm. Furthermore, the synthesized CQDs can be consumed as a fluorescent ink for security, encryption and information storage applications. Combining with good stability and water solubility, unique fluorescence properties and its low-cost, CQDs can also be used as a next generation fluorescent ink alternative to traditional fluorescent ink for anti-counterfeiting.