Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
2
Radiation Research of Polymer Chemistry Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt
3
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, 71524, Assiut, Egypt
4
Main Laboratories, Chemical Ware Fare, Egyptian Army, Egypt. Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, El-Mansoura University, El-Mansoura 35516, Egypt.nce, Al-Azhar University, 71524, Assiut, Egypt
Abstract
This study explores the synthesis of carbon dots (CDs) using a novel hydrothermal method with tartaric and oxalic acids as precursors. Three distinct samples, CD-1, CD-2, and CD-3, were synthesized with varying precursor ratios (1:1, 1:2, and 2:1) to investigate their impact on the CDs' physicochemical properties and lead ion removal efficiency. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed significant surface functionalization, with CD-3 displaying the highest O-H stretching intensity at 3400 cm⁻¹. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed quasi-spherical CDs with sizes ranging from 4 to 8 nm, with CD-1 showing the most uniform distribution (5-6 nm average). Raman spectroscopy indicated varying degrees of graphitization, with CD-3 exhibiting the lowest I_D/I_G ratio of 0.85, suggesting a more ordered carbon structure. Notably, CD-1 demonstrated a superior lead ion removal efficiency of 77.2%, significantly higher than CD-2 (27.5%) and CD-3 (71.2%). The optimum precursor ratio was determined to be 1:1 (tartaric acid: oxalic acid) in CD-1, balancing surface functionalization and structural order, thereby enhancing adsorption properties. This study underscores the importance of precursor ratio optimization in tailoring CD properties for environmental remediation applications.
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