Hydrophilic nitrogen-doped carbon dots from biowaste using dwarf banana peel for environmental and biological applications

Hydrophilic nitrogen-doped carbon dots (HN-CDs) were produced by a simple hydrothermal method from biowaste, dwarf banana peel. XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and HRTEM analyses confirmed the graphitic structure and narrow size distribution of the HN-CDs. Nitrogen-doping to the carbon structure/framework and owing rich hydrophilic groups on HN-CDs surface were confirmed by XPS and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy techniques. HN-CDs emitted strong and tunable fluorescence (FL) and possessed a good quantum yield (23%). Thus this novel HN-CDs applied as a nanoprobe for the detection of metal ion (Fe3+ ion) in aqueous solution by the fluorometric method. Excessive or lesser amounts of Fe3+ ion in human bodies lead to diverse diseases. Additionally, the accumulation of Fe3+ ion in the environment will escort to a great threat. The prepared HN-CDs selectively and sensitively detect Fe3+ ions by the FL quenching of HN-CDs with a limit of detection of 0.66 μM in the range of 5–25 μM. Further, the HN-CDs employed as a biocompatible probe for the multicolor bioimaging in rat liver cells. Also, HN-CDs used as fluorescent ink for drawing and writing. Thus, the biowaste/biomass successfully turned to a useful nanoprobe for environmental protection and health care.