Synthesis of s-Carbon Quantum Dots (s-CQDs) from Table Sugar (Sucrose) with Size of Less than 1 nm

A comparative analysis of carbon quantum dots made up of Table sugar (sucrose) is discussed. Sucrose-Carbon Quantum Dots (s-CQDs) were synthesized by a simple microwave assisted synthesis technique. Such synthesized s-CQDs are highly fluorescent and shows good Quantum Yields. UV-Vis and PL Spectroscopic results indicated the π-π* and n-π* transitions having blue and green color fluorescence under the excitation of 360 nm wavelength. FTIR results confirmed the carbon and hydrogen bonding. XRD results display a diffraction peak at 26°, which corresponds to the (002) plane of a hexagonal graphitic structure revealing an amorphous carbon phase. TEM reveals the morphology of these quantum dots is porous with particle size range between ~0.6–1.0 nm. The findings indicated that these s-CQDs might be used for a variety of purposes including energy storage, biosensing/imaging, invisible inks, photovoltaics, reducing agents and even in quantum computing.