Environmentally benign, facile and selective recovery of gold from aqueous media: synergic role of carbon dots as green reductant and sensor towards Au(3+) ions

Photoluminescent carbon dots (PL CDs) have drawn tremendous attention from researchers owing to their admirable properties and wide range of applications. Herein, highly PL nitrogen and sulfur doped carbon dots (N,S-CDs) were synthesized through a facile, green and rapid one-step microwave assisted method using goat hooves, a bio-waste and a green precursor. The structural and photophysical properties of as obtained N,S-CDs were thoroughly investigated. From the investigation, it is revealed that the N,S-CDs possess a spherical morphology with an average particle size of about 2 nm, highly amorphous nature, high functionality, negative zeta potential (−32 mV), good water-solubility, excitation dependant PL, high PL quantum yield (23.8%), nanosecond lifetime (τ(avg) = 3.38 ns) and excellent storage stability for 180 days without any agglomeration. In addition, the N,S-CDs exhibit high PL stability under diverse pH conditions, wide ionic strength and resistance towards photobleaching, which are very important properties for practical applications. The N,S-CDs selectively sense Au(3+) ions and also reduce the Au(3+) ions to metallic gold. Hence, the N,S-CDs were successfully applied as a potential candidate for sensing of Au(3+) and simultaneous extraction of metallic gold in aqueous media without any further reducing agents. It is a significant green way for the recovery of gold in aqueous media.