Bifunctional P‐Doped Carbon Quantum Dots as Fluorometric Probes for Detection of Fe ³⁺ and Its Antimicrobial Activity

Abstract In this research, P‐CDs were compounded based on Hedyotis Diffusa Willd by using a hydrothermal method of which the morphology, chemical composition, and optical properties were characterized. The P‐doped CDs exhibited effective antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus . Strong electrostatic interactions between negatively charged bacteria and positively charged P‐CDs, and the production of H 2 O 2 by P‐CDs were thought to be responsible for bacterial death. Moreover, the P‐CDs showed a remarkable fluorescent property with an excellent scope for detecting metal ion. The P‐CDs exhibited sensitive response to Fe 3+ in a broad linear range from 0.001 µM to 0.01 µM with a limit of detection of 4.43 × 10 −3 µM. This study developed an affordable and environmentally friendly carbon dot as a valid antibacterial agent and an effective fluorescent sensor.