Author(s): APARICIO, R. R.; LIMA, G. G. de; PERISSUTTI, G. E.; BASSI, M. de J.; JACUMAZO, J.; SCHIAVON, M. A.; ROMAN, L. S.; MUNIZ, G. I. B. de; MAGALHAES, W. L. E.; CADEMARTORI, P. H. G. de

Summary: This study presents a simple and cost-effective approach for synthesizing pyrolytic lignin-based carbon dots (CDPLs) via controlled thermal pyrolysis in water. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that pyrolytic lignin has been used as a precursor for carbon dots. The one-pot method produced blue/green fluorescent CDPLs with an average size of 34 nm and a negative surface charge of ?10.4 mV. The characterization techniques revealed the optical properties and chemical composition of CDPLs, with a fluorescence quantum yield of 7.9%, which is comparable to those of lignin-derived carbon dots. The decay lifetime of CDPLs was in the nanosecond range, which is typical for carbon dots. This study demonstrates the potential of using pyrolytic lignin, a lignocellulosic byproduct, to produce carbon dots through a simple and reproducible method, contributing to the development of sustainable carbon-based nanomaterials.

Publication year: 2025

Types of publication: Journal article

Unit: Embrapa Forestry

Keywords: Carbon, Carbono, Lignin, Lignina, Nanomateriais, Nanomaterials, Nanopartícula, Pyrolysis