Carbon quantum dots surface chemistry: Evaluation of Photo and Cytotoxic activity

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have exceptional physical-chemical properties that make them suitable for a wide range of uses, such as the photocatalytic removal of organic contaminants from water. Here, we provide a one-step, ecologically friendly, and economical method for creating iron/nitrogen co-doped (Fe/N-CQD) and nitrogen-doped (N-CQD) quantum dot nanomaterials. The characteristics of the developed nanomaterials were investigated with regard to how surface chemistry impacts their capacity for adsorption and photoactivity in a case study of a specific water pollutant reduction. The influence of the two irradiation sources-operating in the UV and visible ranges-on the photoactivity of materials was highlighted. Finally, their eco-friendliness was examined on four different human tumor cell lines.