Exploring the interplay between formation mechanisms and luminescence of lignin carbon quantum dots from spruce biomass

This study investigates the intricate relationship between the formation mechanisms and luminescent properties of lignin-derived carbon quantum dots ( LG CQDs ) synthesized from spruce biomass by hydrothermal treatment. A comprehensive understanding of LG CQDs structure and its photoluminescence requires insights into the native architecture of lignin and the distribution of its acidolysis-derived fragments. Research showed how these lignin-derived units interact with dopant molecules in three different approaches during synthesis, contributing to core and surface structures that govern optical behavior. In our experiments, m-aminophenylboronic acid and varying amounts of HCl were employed as dopants to further tune the structural and luminescent features of the CQDs. The presence of functional groups such as amino, hydroxyl, and boronic acid groups was found to be crucial for enhancing the luminescent properties of the CQDs. Our findings reveal a clear correlation between structural features and luminescent properties, emphasizing the role of surface chemistry in tuning emission characteristics. These insights provide a foundation for the rational design of LG CQDs with tailored luminescent properties, advancing their potential applications in sustainable optoelectronics, sensing, and bioimaging. • LG CQDs are prepared from spruce lignin using acidolysis and hydrothermal synthesis • Controlled acidolysis directly influenced the final structure of LG CQDs • Using acidolysis, we can tailor LG CQDs’ luminescent features and future potential