Presenter(s)
Kahun Vue
Abstract
Carbon Dots (CDs) are renowned for having great quantum yield, absorption, electron transfer, and stability. Biomaterial-derived carbon dots are eco-friendly nanomaterials synthesized through the carbonization and condensation of organic surface groups. This study investigates the synthesis, characterization, and application of CDs derived from various biomaterial precursors, including chitosan, cellulose, β-keratin, α-keratin, and amylose derived from chitosan, corn husk, chicken feathers, human hair, and potato skin respectively. Hydrothermal and purification methods were used to develop a green, cost-effective synthesis while evaluating the eco-friendliness and sustainability of the resulting nanomaterials. The physicochemical properties of each CD were evaluated based on fluorescence intensity, photostability, metal ion selectivity, and relative size distribution. Fluorimetry was used to analyze fluorescence behavior, including sensitivity and selectivity for metal ion detection, while UV–Vis spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to characterize optical properties, particle size trends, and how surface functional groups were affected by hydrothermal treatment. UV–Vis spectroscopy had an λmax of 230 nm, which was used to assess relative size distribution and synthesis uniformity. Results indicated that the molecular makeup of a biomolecule significantly influenced the fluorescence behavior and metal ion selectivity of a CD. These findings highlight the tunability of CD properties based on their surface functional groups. Overall, this research supports the application of green chemistry principles by converting renewable and waste-derived materials into functional nanomaterials. The results demonstrate the potential for sustainable, low-cost carbon dots in sensing and environmental applications, providing a foundation for future optimization and large-scale implementation.
College
College of Science & Engineering
Department
Chemistry
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Jeanne Franz
Second Advisor/Mentor
Jennifer Zemke
Location
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Start Date
4-23-2026 2:00 PM
End Date
4-23-2026 3:00 PM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
2b=2pm-3pm
Poster Number
70
Using Fluorimetry and Spectroscopy for Quantitative Analysis of Biomaterial-Derived Carbon Dots
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Carbon Dots (CDs) are renowned for having great quantum yield, absorption, electron transfer, and stability. Biomaterial-derived carbon dots are eco-friendly nanomaterials synthesized through the carbonization and condensation of organic surface groups. This study investigates the synthesis, characterization, and application of CDs derived from various biomaterial precursors, including chitosan, cellulose, β-keratin, α-keratin, and amylose derived from chitosan, corn husk, chicken feathers, human hair, and potato skin respectively. Hydrothermal and purification methods were used to develop a green, cost-effective synthesis while evaluating the eco-friendliness and sustainability of the resulting nanomaterials. The physicochemical properties of each CD were evaluated based on fluorescence intensity, photostability, metal ion selectivity, and relative size distribution. Fluorimetry was used to analyze fluorescence behavior, including sensitivity and selectivity for metal ion detection, while UV–Vis spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to characterize optical properties, particle size trends, and how surface functional groups were affected by hydrothermal treatment. UV–Vis spectroscopy had an λmax of 230 nm, which was used to assess relative size distribution and synthesis uniformity. Results indicated that the molecular makeup of a biomolecule significantly influenced the fluorescence behavior and metal ion selectivity of a CD. These findings highlight the tunability of CD properties based on their surface functional groups. Overall, this research supports the application of green chemistry principles by converting renewable and waste-derived materials into functional nanomaterials. The results demonstrate the potential for sustainable, low-cost carbon dots in sensing and environmental applications, providing a foundation for future optimization and large-scale implementation.
