ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Simultaneous synthesis of carbon quantum dots, fluorescent probes, biofilms and hydrochar from sustainable vermicompost for versatile applications

Rekha Rose Koshy, Arunima Reghunadhan, Siji K. Mary, Jijo Thomas Koshy, Hema Santhakumar, Ramapurath. S. Jayasree, Laly A. Pothen, and Sabu Thomas

Department of Chemistry, Bishop Moore College (Affiliated to Kerala University), Mavelikara, India

E-mail: lapothen@gmail.com

Received: 6 August 2022  Accepted: 30 January 2023

Abstract:

Sustainable and renewable sources of nanomaterial synthesis are a demanding approach. This work provides new insight into the versatile applications of materials derived from vermicompost. The report explains the simultaneous conversion of vermicompost to hydrophilic and stable carbon quantum dots (CDs) and hydrochar. The as-prepared CDs exhibit broad range emission spectrum from blue (400) to red (600 nm) with excitation dependent emission phenomenon. The films prepared using the CDs showed higher cellular uptake and intracellular localization. The FTIR results supported the existence of hydroxyl, amine, carboxylate and carbonyl groups on the surfaces of the CD. The zeta potential value of CDs was − 38.5. The ion absorption was tested for different cations and was maximum for Fe³⁺ ions, even for micromolar solutions. The hydrochar produced was used for adsorption of methylene blue dye from water and it was found that 80% of dye was removed after 12 h. of treatment. Thus, we suggest vermicompost as a promising alternative for nanomaterial synthesis.

Graphical abstract

Keywords: Vermicompost; Carbon dots; Cancer cell imaging; Fe3+ detection, fluorescent films; Dye adsorption

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-023-02711-9

Chemical Papers 77 (6) 3385–3398 (2023)