HYDROTHERMAL SYNTHESIS OF NITROGEN-DOPED CQDS OF RUBUS NIVEUS LEAVES FOR FLUORESCENT pH SENSING AND PHOTOCATALYTIC APPLICATIONS.

The development of a fluorescent pH sensor and the treatment of wastewater with nanoparticles are both critical topics. Variations in pH impact the morphology and subsequent properties of nanoparticles, affecting their utilization in various fields, while using nanoparticles offers an improved approach for treating industrial waste. The present study examines the effects of these variables on biologically produced nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (NCQDs). The synthesis was achieved through a hydrothermal process using Rubus niveus leaf extract as a precursor. UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis revealed absorption spectra over a wide range from 200 nm to 800 nm, with prominent peaks at 236 nm and 392 nm. Additionally, the direct energy band gap of the NCQDs was found to be 3.65 eV. SEM imaging displayed flower-shaped particles, and FT-IR analysis indicated the presence of amide, CHO, N-H, and C-N functional groups. The XRD pattern revealed that the surface morphology of NCQDs is amorphous in nature. A significant response in fluorescence intensity with varying pH values was observed, confirming the potential of NCQDs as pH sensors. The reaction kinetics of Rhodamine-B (Rh-B) dye was analyzed to assess the potential of NCQDs for dye degradation, revealing pseudo-first-order kinetics with a correlation coefficient of 0.80. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]