Hydrothermal synthesis of highly fluorescent carbon nanoparticles from sodium citrate and their use for the detection of mercury ions

摘要

We have developed a simple, one-step hydrothermal method for the synthesis of highly fluorescent carbon nanoparticles (F-CNPs) with a high quantum yield (68%) and good photostability. The method requires less reaction time and a lower reaction temperature as compared with the previous reported methods. The as-prepared F-CNPs exhibit excellent emission property and high stability, as well as excitation-independent emission behavior. Moreover, it is attractive that F-CNPs can be used as an effective fluorescent probe for the detection of mercury ions with good selectivity and sensitivity in an aqueous solution. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.