Quick synthesis of fluorescent nitrogen-doped carbon nanoparticles for selective and sensitive Fe(III) detection in water

Abstract

Recently, fluorescent carbon nanostructures have attracted enormous attention thanks to their excellent optical properties, low-cost, chemical inertness and stability. In this study, we demonstrated a quick, facile, environment-friendly and low-cost synthesis method for the preparation of fluorescent nitrogen-doped carbon nanoparticles (N-CNPs). Prepared N-CNPs have excitation-dependent fluorescent properties and demonstrate high selectivity towards Fe(III) ions in water. We found that prepared N-CNPs can be used for sensitive detection of Fe(III) ions in the range of 1–30 ppm. Thus, fluorescent N-CNPs can be a promising material for fast and low-cost analysis of Fe(III) ions in water. Keywords: Carbon nanoparticles, Nitrogen-doping, Fe(III) sensing, Optical nanosensors, Fluorescence