Green synthesis of highly stable carbon nanodots and their photocatalytic performance

The present study reports a novel, facile, biosynthesis route for the synthesis of carbon nanodots (CDs) with an approximate quantum yield of 38.5%, using Musk melon extract as a naturally derived‐precursor material. The synthesis of CDs was established by using ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, Dynamic light scattering, photoluminescence spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The as‐prepared CDs possess an eminent fluorescence under UV–light (λ _ex  = 365 nm). The size range of CDs was found to be in the range of 5–10 nm. The authors further explored the use of such biosynthesised CDs as a photocatalyst material for removal of industrial dye. Degradation of methylene blue dye was performed in a photocatalytic reactor and monitored using UV–vis spectroscopy. The CDs show excellent dye degradation capability of 37.08% in 60 min and reaction rate of 0.0032 min⁻¹. This study shows that synthesised CDs are highly stable in nature, and possess potential application in wastewater treatment.Inspec keywords: carbon, nanostructured materials, nanofabrication, catalysis, photochemistry, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, photoluminescence, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, fluorescence, dyesOther keywords: green synthesis, highly stable CD, photocatalytic performance, biosynthesis route, carbon nanodots, quantum yield, Musk melon extract, naturally derived‐precursor material, ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, photoluminescence spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, fluorescence, biosynthesised CD, photocatalyst material, industrial dye, methylene blue dye degradation, photocatalytic reactor, UV‐vis spectroscopy, wastewater treatment, size 5 nm to 10 nm, time 60 min