Carbon nanodots from orange peel waste as fluorescent probes for detecting nitrobenzene

Nitro aromatic compounds have been recognized as hazardous and carcinogenic substances for more than three decades. However, even today, they persist as pervasive pollutants in water, soil, and air. Consequently, the development of innovative, user-friendly, and dependable platforms for their rapid and efficient detection remains crucial from both environmental and health perspectives. In this study, we explore the conversion of biomass waste into valuable nanomaterials, specifically carbon dots. These bio-derived carbon dots exhibit promising photoluminescence properties and are effectively utilized as fluorescent chemical probes for the detection of nitrobenzene, all without the need for additional late-stage functionalization or surface modification. The insights gained from this research can contribute to the development of an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to nitrobenzene detection. Notably, our research highlights that unmodified carbon dots in an aqueous solution can detect low concentrations of nitrobenzene. An integrated approach combining thermal and electrochemical technologies for the valorization of agro-industrial waste. The resulting carbon dots (CDs) show fascinating optical properties, enabling their application as fluorescent chemical probes.