Green Synthesis of High Quantum Yield Carbon Dots from Phenylalanine and Citric Acid: Role of Stoichiometry and Nitrogen Doping

Despite a growing interest in carbon dots (CDs), notably for their potential as a more sustainable, less toxic alternative to inorganic quantum dots, the critical factors affecting their physical, chemical, and optical properties are relatively unknown, limiting their widespread use. Herein, a one-pot hydrothermal method was used to synthesize CDs from citric acid and phenylalanine. CDs were synthesized over a range of reactant ratios, from pure...