Hydrothermally Synthesized Carbon Quantum Dots from Amomum compactum for Fluorescence-Based Fe³⁺ Sensing
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11113/mjfas.v22n3.5417Keywords:
carbon quantum dots; Amomum compactum; fluorescence sensing; Fe³⁺ detection; environmental monitoringAbstract
This study reports the green synthesis of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) derived from Amomum compactum via a simple hydrothermal method for the sensitive and selective fluorescence-based detection of Fe³⁺ ions. Compared with previously reported biomass-derived CQD sensors, the developed system offers a simple synthesis route without additional surface modification, high selectivity toward Fe³⁺, and reliable sensing performance in real water samples. The obtained CQDs exhibit nanoscale dimensions (2.92 nm), strong blue emission, and excitation-dependent optical behavior attributed to quantum confinement effects and abundant oxygen-containing functional groups. These surface characteristics facilitate strong interactions with metal ions, where Fe³⁺ induces a pronounced fluorescence quenching response through coordination interactions and electron transfer with oxygen-containing surface groups, compared to other tested ions, demonstrating high selectivity. The sensing system shows a linear response over a concentration range of 0.001–5 ppm with a low detection limit of 0.085 ppm, which is competitive with several previously reported CQD-based Fe³⁺ fluorescent sensors, meeting requirements for environmental monitoring. Application in real water samples confirms high accuracy and precision, with recovery values ranging from 95.1% to 101.2%. Overall, this work highlights an eco-friendly, cost-effective sensing platform that supports sustainable water quality monitoring, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6.
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