High-performance nitrogen-doped green fluorescent carbon dots for applications in rapid detection of chlortetracycline and fluorescent film

Chlortetracycline (CTC), a widely used antibiotic, poses potential health risks due to its residues in animal products, making its detection crucial for environmental and human health. This study introduces a novel, rapid, and sensitive method for CTC detection utilizing nitrogen-doped green fluorescent carbon dots (G-CDs) synthesized through a simple hydrothermal process. The G-CDs exhibit strong green fluorescence and high quantum yield, demonstrating excellent selectivity and sensitivity for CTC detection. An investigation of the fluorescence quenching mechanism revealed a combination of static quenching and the inner filter effect (IFE). Additionally, the incorporation of G-CDs into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film resulted in a fluorescent hybrid polymer film with potential applications in optoelectronics. This research not only provides a cost-effective and reliable approach for CTC detection but also expands the utility of high-fluorescence carbon dots in practical applications, contributing to advancements in both environmental monitoring and materials science.