Cost-effective synthesis of red-emitting carbon-based quantum dots and its photothermal profiling

We herein report a cost-effective green synthesis of carbon-based quantum dots (CBQDs) from citric acid and formamide and its photothermal profiling. The as-synthesised CBDQs are small, spherical and highly crystalline, with an averaged particle diameter of 4 nm. They displayed good absorption properties with emission in the red region and excellent water dispersibility. The photothermal analysis showed the as-synthesised CBQDs are good generators of heat, presenting them as a promising material for photothermal applications.