Pyrolytic Lignin: A Promising Precursor for the Green Synthesis of Fluorescent Carbon Nanoparticles
Rosinaldo Rabelo Aparício, Gabriel Goetten de Lima, G. E. Perissutti, Maiara de Jesus Bassi, Joslaine Jacumazo, Marco Antônio Schiavon, Lucimara S. Roman, Graciela Inês Bolzón de Muñiz, Washington Luiz Esteves Magalhães, Pedro Henrique González de Cademartori
Abstract
This study presents a simple and cost-effective approach for synthesizing pyrolytic lignin-based carbon dots (CDPLs) via controlled thermal pyrolysis in water. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that pyrolytic lignin has been used as a precursor for carbon dots. The one-pot method produced blue/green fluorescent CDPLs with an average size of 34 nm and a negative surface charge of -10.4 mV. The characterization techniques revealed the optical properties and chemical composition of CDPLs, with a fluorescence quantum yield of 7.9%, which is comparable to those of lignin-derived carbon dots. The decay lifetime of CDPLs was in the nanosecond range, which is typical for carbon dots. This study demonstrates the potential of using pyrolytic lignin, a lignocellulosic byproduct, to produce carbon dots through a simple and reproducible method, contributing to the development of sustainable carbon-based nanomaterials.