Published Paper Details:

Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs), a novel class of carbon-based nanomaterials with sizes below 10 nm, have emerged as promising candidates in nanoscience due to their exceptional photoluminescence, chemical stability, tunable surface functionalities, and biocompatibility. Traditional synthetic approaches for CQDs often involve harsh chemicals and energy-intensive processes, raising environmental and safety concerns. In contrast, green synthesis methods utilizing renewable biomass and eco-friendly precursors have gained significant attention for producing CQDs in a sustainable, cost-effective, and scalable manner. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of green-synthesized CQDs, focusing on their synthesis strategies, structural and optical characterization, and their dual functional roles in photocatalytic and biomedical applications. The methodological approach encompasses the selection of natural carbon sources such as fruit peels, plant extracts, and agricultural residues, followed by synthesis through hydrothermal, microwave-assisted, and pyrolytic techniques. Advanced characterization tools, including TEM, FTIR, XRD, UV-Vis, and photoluminescence spectroscopy, are employed to evaluate morphological, structural, and optical properties. The photocatalytic performance of green CQDs is assessed through degradation of organic pollutants and water-splitting reactions, while biomedical evaluations involve cytotoxicity assays, fluorescence bioimaging, and drug delivery studies. Findings demonstrate that green-synthesized CQDs exhibit superior quantum yields, excellent biocompatibility, and enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to their chemically synthesized counterparts. The implications of this research extend beyond fundamental nanoscience, highlighting the potential of sustainable nanochemistry in addressing environmental remediation challenges and advancing biomedical innovations. This study underscores green-synthesized CQDs as a versatile and eco-friendly nanomaterial platform, bridging the gap between environmental sustainability and advanced nanotechnological applications.