Synthesized carbon dots from carrot, orange, and cucumber peels by a laser beam: Characterization and antioxidant activity

Carbon dots (CDs) have emerged as promising nanomaterials due to their unique optical properties, biocompatibility, and potential applications. In this study, we synthesized CDs from carrot, orange, and cucumber peels using a green, laser-assisted method. The structural and optical properties of the synthesized CDs were characterized using XRD, EDAX, FESEM, FTIR, UV-visible, and photoluminescence (PL) analyses.  The XRD of the samples shows that they have a CD structure. The EDAX analysis of the samples shows carbon weight percentages of ۲۴%, ۵۱%, and ۴۰% for carrot, orange, and cucumber samples, respectively. FTIR analysis illustrates that the CD''s surface functional groups are epoxy and hydroxyl. FESEM images show that the samples have a spherical shape. The synthesized CDs show different green colors under ultraviolet lamps. From the examination of the optical properties of the samples, we have observed that the samples show the most fluorescence at the excitation wavelength of ۳۶۰, ۳۵۰, and ۳۴۰ nm for carrot, orange, and cucumber peels, respectively. The results revealed that the CDs exhibit strong fluorescence and antioxidant properties, with orange peel-derived CDs showing the highest antioxidant activity (۵۰%). The use of fruit peels as precursors not only provides a sustainable approach to waste management but also offers a cost-effective method for producing CDs with potential applications in bioimaging, sensing, and catalysis.

کلیدواژه ها:

Carbon dots ، laser beam method ، fruit peels ، Structural properties ، Optical properties ، antioxidant properties