Synthesis and Characterization of a Carbon Nanodot-Cobalt Oxide Nanohybrid

Carbon nanodots are a novel class of nanocarbons with fluorescent capabilities which conform to a size less than 10 nm. They have desirable properties such as their photoluminescence, solubility, electronic, photocatalytic, optical properties, and ease of functionalization. Cobalt oxide nanoparticles are metal oxides that have unique structural, chemical, physical, magnetic and optical properties making them useful for several applications such as energy storage, and catalysis. Synthesis of cobalt oxide and carbon nanodots include methods such as the arc-discharge method, laser ablation method, electrochemical method, thermal pyrolysis, hydrothermal method, casting, chemical reduction, co-precipitation, ionic liquid-assisted approach, irradiation, microemulsion, sol-gel approach, solvothermal approach, template method, and vapor deposition approach. Some of these methods of synthesis of carbon nanodots and cobalt oxide employ harsh temperatures and/or require longer reaction time for synthesis. The low toxicity of carbon nanodots coupled with its high solubility could also help improve on the same properties of cobalt oxide. In this research, we present a two-step microwave assisted synthesis of a novel cobalt oxide-carbon nanodot hybrid synthesized in reduced time and a cleaner way. This nanohybrid possesses enhanced optical properties compared to carbon nanodots alone. Structural properties of this nanohybrid are also presented. This nanohybrid could be applicable for several environmental and biological applications such as remediation, catalysis, bioimaging, sensor detection and drug delivery.