Microwave synthesis of carbon dots with multi-response using denatured proteins as carbon source

Abstract

A new synthetic strategy has been developed for facile and green fabrication of highly photoluminescent carbon dots (CDs) via a one-step microwave treatment of the denatured proteins in aqueous solution. The as-prepared CDs, possessing excellent up-conversion fluorescent properties, can serve as a multifunctional fluorescent nanosensor for pH and temperature. CDs prepared from various protein carbon source can be sensitive to a specific metal ion.