On the role of UV-generated ROS in the desorption of cephalexin from CQDs-based drug-loadable platform

•EDTA-modified CQDs were synthesized through a one-step thermal decomposition method.•Cp molecules adsorbed on the surface of ED9-CQDs through H-bonds.•Raman spectra were deconvoluted to evaluate the initiation possibility of ROS during UV treatment.•Cleavage of β-lactame ring enhances the production of H+ required for efficient ROS process.