Synthesis of tunable high-thermal stability carbon dots via functionalization for applications in high-temperature environment

In the present research oleic acid carbon dots have been optimized for high-thermal stability applications via suitable thermal tuning in liquid as well as in anhydrous medium. The intended tuning of the nano-dimensional particles was achieved by Fischer Esterification using suitable hydroxyl group-bearing moieties. The achieved external surface functionalization was fast, easy and cost-effective. The synthesized carbon dots were characterized using UV–Vis, Fluorescence, FT-IR, SEM, TGA and DSC techniques. The coalesce function of the stated instrumentations derived a possible mechanistic approach and relationship regarding the thermal tuning of the carbon dots for a deeper overview. The band-gap energy measurement revealed exclusive wide band-gap semiconductor characteristics of the investigated nanoparticles. Further, the fabrication of carbon dots on cotton fabric potentialized a new class of synthetic flame-retardant free high-temperature resistant textiles, deemed essential for a greener future. The enhanced nature of these carbon dots with requisite alteration capabilities for temperatures as high as 800 °C could certainly improve the applicability of these particles in future electronic advancements.