Synthesis and characterization of carbon nanodots from jellyfish

In a study which is first of its kind, florescent carbon nanodots (CNDs) were synthesized from jellyfish harvested off Cochin Sea using hydrothermal carbonization method. The synthesized CNDs were characterized by different techniques including, Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and zeta potential. FTIR spectroscopic results showed that the CNDs were rich with CO and C-O groups. Microstructure examination of CNDs using AFM and TEM, revealed the spherical shape of CNDs with about 50 nm diameter. A nylon net surface treated with 1% of CNDs shows good fluorescence under the UV light source. CNDs can have potential application in the area of tracing abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) in ocean and also in studying the fish behaviour either as attractant or deterrent.