Carbon Quantum Dot (CQD) Nanoparticles Synthesized by Sucrose and Urea: Application as Reinforcement Effect on Al–Mg–Cu–Zn Composite
Mesut Aslan, Hasan Eskalen, Mustafa Kavgacı
Abstract
Abstract Water-soluble carbon quantum dot (CQD) nanoparticles were synthesized using a one-step hydrothermal method, with sucrose and urea selected as carbon precursors. The synthesized CQDs were characterized through SEM, TEM, X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis spectrum, FTIR, and fluorescence spectra analyses. HR-TEM results revealed the microstructure of CQDs as spherical-shaped particles, while XRD plots indicated their amorphous nature. XPS analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of N-doped CQDs. Moreover, this study introduced the reinforcing effect of CQD nanoparticles for the Al composites. The incorporation of CQD particles led to improved hardness properties of the Al–Zn–Mg–Cu composites by using Vickers tester. Additionally, SEM results suggested that CQD particles contributed to a grain fining effect, thereby reducing grain boundary separation.