Molecular Insights into the Formation and Functionalization of Carbon Nanodots: From Precursor Intermediates to Surface Chemistry Quantification.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the mechanistic pathways underlying carbon nanodot (CND) formation is essential for the rational design of synthesis strategies and the development of well-defined nanomaterials. In this work, we combine chromatographic isolation, spectroscopic characterization, and synthetic validation to identify key molecular intermediates in the early stages of CND formation from arginine (Arg) and ethylenediamine (EDA) under hydrothermal conditions. Using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, ¹H/¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry, we isolate and structurally confirm multiple reaction intermediates, including species arising from Arg cyclization and EDA-derived condensation products. Each proposed intermediate was

SUBMITTER: Giuliani E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12455451 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature