Investigation the Functional Properties of Metal-Containing Carbon Quantum Dots

Abstract The work is devoted to the study optical properties of metal-containing carbon quantum dots (Me–CQDs). Additives as ionic solutions with Ni2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, and Co2+ cations were used to prepare new CQDs. Here, we show that the best properties are exhibited by samples in which citric acid acted as a carbon source. Samples demonstrates a pronounced absorption peak at 340 nm, and the excellent fluorescence intensity in 226% rise, when the metal cation was introduced and form emitter centers (dots). Measurements has been established that the introduction of metal cations into the composition of nanoparticles at the stage of synthesis changes the initial electronic structure of nanodots, which is reflected in a change in the optical properties and forms a spectroscopic response from new chemical bonds in Me–CQDs.