Green synthesis of nano carbon infused polymer for the detection of toxic heavy metals

Abstract

The global population is marching towards greener ways of life. Green nanotechnology, newlinewhich uses carbon nanomaterials for environmental remediation, is the pioneer among the existing strategies for the production, characterization, and applications of carbon nanomaterials derived from sustainable and renewable energy resources. Additionally, easily available natural ingredients are effective carbon precursors for producing carbon dots with newlineenthralling physical and chemical properties. Compared to other approaches, plant-based newlinesynthesis of nanomaterials is more dependable because it is simple, fast, ecologically newlinefriendly, and does not require particular conditions. We report for the first time, the use of a fluorescent nanocarbon material synthesised from plant, Indigofera Tinctora (L.) (IBLH), for the detection of metal ions. This nanomaterial developed using a green synthesis method that aided hydrothermal processing from the leaf extract of IBLH. The IBLH sensor used to detect hazardous metal ions (Pb2+) was very sensitive and selective. Considering the concentration from 1 nM to 100 mM and 100 mM to 1M, developed sensor displayed broad, dual linearity. The limit of detection (LOD) for the sensor appreciable low with 14.74 nM as the detection limit, with a wide and linear response spanning from 1 nM to 1M Cd2+ concentration range. Utilising Ruta Graveolens as the carbon source, we developed ARH-CDs from agricultural waste using chemical-free, one-step hydrothermal procedures that are safe for the environment. The synthesized ARH-CDs showed nano particle size, outstanding water newlinesolubility, great biocompatibility, and appreciable optical characteristics. The FTIR and XPS findings validated the existence of functional groups. such as C-O, C-C, and O-H with various oxygen functional groups, with predominating hydroxyl group, supporting the newlineexistence of CDs. For the selective detection of Hg2+, the synthesized ARH-CDs are employed as a biocompatible fluorescence sensor.