Down-conversion luminescence nanocomposites based on nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots@bioplastic for applications in optical displays, LEDs and UVC tubes

Abstract

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs)-based composites as luminous down-conversion materials are becoming more popular due to several advantages such as steady fluorescence, ease of functionalization, tailoring of emission in the visible range, and so on. We report an inexpensive and environmentally sustainable synthesis of fluorescent nitrogen doped-CQDs produced from Cissus quadrangularis, a low-cost plant precursor with therapeutic value. The morphological, structural, and physicochemical features of the material were carefully investigated. Under UV stimulation (365 nm), almost spherical-shaped N-CQDs with an average diameter of 5.1 nm were discovered to generate yellow-green fluorescence, have excellent photostability, strong water solubility, with a quantum yield of up to 5 %. Furthermore, as a solid-phase dispersion matrix for CQDs, ecologically friendly, biodegradable bioplastic is appealing. The down-conversion of solid-state fluorescence of LEDs and UVC tubes was demonstrated by creating a nanocomposite by inserting N-CQDs into the solid matrix of a wheat starch-based bioplastic. Furthermore, employing constructed quantum dot-based optical displays, down-converted LEDs, and UVC tubes, the impacts of varied CQD concentrations and pH sensitivity were examined.