In this study, we fabricated non-toxic, highly stable, eco-friendly carbon nanodots (CD) from laboratory paper waste through a facile synthetic approach. The paper waste was converted to carbon by thermal decomposition. The carbon powder obtained was dispersed in acid using a sonication process. Subsequently, the CD was separated by centrifugation and filtration. The morphological properties of the prepared CD were analyzed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The optical behavior of the CD was assessed using a UV–vis and fluorescence spectrophotometer. The AFM results clearly indicated that the CD had a spherical shape and sizes of ∼3–10 nm. The CD exhibited excitation-dependent photoluminescence. Finally, we assessed the metal ion selectivity of the paper waste derived CD, and utilized it as a fluorescent probe to detect Fe³⁺ ions. This CD fabrication approach is sustainable, cheap, and uses a renewable precursor. It also may enable the valorization of laboratory paper waste to high-value products.

在这项研究中，我们通过简便的合成方法从实验室废纸中制造了无毒、高度稳定、环保的碳纳米点 (CD)。废纸通过热分解转化为碳。使用超声处理将获得的碳粉分散在酸中。随后，通过离心和过滤分离CD。使用原子力显微镜 (AFM) 分析制备的 CD 的形态特性。使用紫外-可见光和荧光分光光度计评估 CD 的光学行为。AFM 结果清楚地表明 CD 呈球形，尺寸约为 3-10 nm。CD 表现出依赖于激发的光致发光。最后，我们评估了废纸衍生的 CD 的金属离子选择性，并将其用作荧光探针来检测 Fe³⁺离子。这种 CD 制造方法是可持续的、便宜的，并且使用可再生的前体。它还可以将实验室废纸转化为高价值产品。