Abstract

Carbon dots, which are superior fluorescent nanomaterials with low photobleaching, low toxicity, excellent biocompatibility, and low environmental hazard, have presented exciting opportunities in many fields. However, a better strategy to synthesize fluorescent carbon dots with high quantum yield and further developing their potential applications is still needed. Herein, a one-step hydrothermal strategy was proposed to prepare carbon dots from egg white. The as-prepared CDs, with a diameter of 2.1 nm, were well-dispersed in aqueous solution and showed excellent pH stability. During the hydrothermal reaction, the carbonization, N-doping, and surface functionalization were realized at the same time. With a high quantum yield of 61%, the CDs were used as a probe for detecting metal ions and in living cell imaging. Additionally, multifunctional nanocomposites were also prepared with novel thermosensitive photoluminescent properties.

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