Said Ali Akbar, Cut Nuzlia, Muhammad Hasan
This study reports the green synthesis of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) derived from Amomum compactum via a simple hydrothermal method for the sensitive and selective fluorescence-based detection of Fe³⁺ ions. Compared with previously reported biomass-derived CQD sensors, the developed system offers a simple synthesis route without additional surface modification, high selectivity toward Fe³⁺, and reliable sensing performance in real water samples. The obtained CQDs exhibit nanoscale dimensions (2.92 nm), strong blue emission, and excitation-dependent optical behavior attributed to quantum confinement effects and abundant oxygen-containing functional groups. These surface characteristics facilitate strong interactions with metal ions, where Fe3+ induces a pronounced fluorescence quenching response through coordination interactions and electron transfer with oxygen-containing surface groups, compared to other tested ions, demonstrating high selectivity. The sensing system shows a linear response over a concentration range of 0.001–5 ppm with a low detection limit of 0.085 ppm, which is competitive with several previously reported CQD-based Fe3+ fluorescent sensors, meeting requirements for environmental monitoring. Application in real water samples confirms high accuracy and precision, with recovery values ranging from 95.1% to 101.2%. Overall, this work highlights an eco-friendly, cost-effective sensing platform that supports sustainable water quality monitoring, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6. © Copyright Said. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use and redistribution provided that the original author and source are credited. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Marine and Fisheries, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia; Department of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
Research at a Glance
Register to unlock
Topics & SDG Alignment
Register to unlock
Collaboration
Register to unlock
Author Profile (Selected)
Register to unlock
References Overview
Register to unlock
Journal & Source
Register to unlock
Metadata & Integrity
Register to unlock