A potential forecast of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) as an ultrasensitive and selective fluorescence probe for Hg (II) ions sensing

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are remarkable nanomaterials owing to their auspicious aspects. Herein, we synthesized highly green fluorescent CQDs via a one-step facile hydrothermal method using a chicken feather as a carbon source. The synthesized CQDs have an average particle size of ∼ 5 ± 1 nm in diameter with a quantum yield of ∼ 77.2 %. As-prepared CQDs are directly used as a fluorescent probe for the sensitive and selective detection of Hg2+ ions with a detection limit of ∼ 6.2 nM. Interestingly, the above results suggested that the synthesized CQDs as a potential candidate for Hg2+ sensing application.