Synthesis of carbon quantum dots from Broccoli and their ability to detect silver ions

[Display omitted] •Broccoli as a source for the synthesis Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs)•The synthesized CQDs are partially crystalline in nature.•The PL intensity of synthesized CQDs were stable in the neutral pH range.•The synthesized CQDs are successful in detecting silver ions. Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are promising nanomaterials with various industrial applications, including metal ion detection. Herein, a simple, green, and low-cost strategy was developed for the synthesis of fluorescent water-soluble CQDs for selective detection of Ag+ via one-step hydrothermal treatment of edible green plant, Broccoli. The functional group composition, morphology, and pH stability of the synthesized CQDs were investigated. In this study, the silver ions quenched the PL of the CQDs more strongly than other heavy metals, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.5 µM, which indicates that the synthesized CQDs can be effectively used as an Ag+ sensing tool.