Green Synthesis of Multifunctional Carbon Nanodots from Phyla Nodiflora Leaves Extract and their Potential Applications

This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of carbon nanodots derived from Phyla nodiflora leaves, a naturally abundant and sustainable precursor. Phyla nodiflora leaves due to their rich content of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, triterpenes, and saponins. Carbon Nanodots (CNDs) exhibited strong blue-green fluorescence, high quantum yield, and excellent photostability, making them suitable for multifunctional applications. In this research work, CNDs were synthesized from Phyla nodiflora leaf extract using a one-step hydrothermal method to produce highly fluorescent CNDs with remarkable physicochemical properties1.Comprehensive characterization techniques, including UV, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and fluorescence studies, revealed the surface functional groups and heteroatom doping of the CNDs. The presence of oxygen- and nitrogen-containing groups, naturally doped into the CNDs during synthesis, was attributed to the phytochemical composition of Phyla nodiflora leaves, enhancing their optical and catalytic properties. This study explores the advanced synthesis using a hydrothermal approach and application of PN-CNDs' as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in a 1.0 M HCl solution. PN-CNDs were found to be effective in improving corrosion resistance, as evidenced by electrochemical measurements showing a significant increase in polarization resistance and a decrease in corrosion current density. By tackling corrosion-related issues in a range of industrial applications, our research aids in the development of sustainable materials for corrosion protection. The equilibrium data were analyzed using the Langmuir isotherm model to determine the adsorption capacity and surface heterogeneity. Furthermore, structural evaluations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) validated PN-CNDs-C's dependability as a corrosion barrier.