Green synthesized carbon quantum dots from maple tree leaves for biosensing of Cesium and electrocatalytic oxidation of glycerol

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) synthesized from biological sources play a significant role in biomedical and environmental applications, including bioimaging, biosensing, metal ions detection and electrocatalytic oxidations. Herein, we synthesized blue-emitting carbon quantum dots using maple tree leaves via a one-step hydrothermal process to detect Cesium ions selectively. The synthesized CQDs' functional group composition, morphology, and pH stability was analytical and morphologically investigated. The maple leaves derived carbon quantum dots (M-CQDs) exhibited blue fluorescence, and their sizes ranged from 1 to 10 nm. They exhibited emission at 445 nm upon excitation at 360 nm. M-CQDs PL intensity was highly stable for about 100 d without any changes and confirmed that the as-prepared CQDs could be used as a probe for Cesium ion sensing. M-CQDs were effectively used as Cesium sensing probes based on the electron transfer process and simultaneously used as a catalyst for glycerol electrooxidation. The PL intensity of M-CQDs was quenched while adding the varies concentration of Cesium ions in the linear range from 100 mu M to 100 nM with the detection limit of (LOD) 160 nM, simultaneously electrocatalytic oxidation of glycerol showed an onset potential of 1.32 V at a current density of 10 mA/cm2.

Automated summary

In this study, blue-emitting carbon quantum dots derived from maple tree leaves were synthesized to selectively detect Cesium ions, showing potential applications in biomedical and environmental fields. The detailed investigation of their functional group composition, morphology, and stability was conducted, confirming their stability and suitability as probes for Cesium ion sensing. The carbon quantum dots also demonstrated a catalytic capability for glycerol electrooxidation, highlighting their versatile applications.