Synthesis of casein-derived carbon nanodots (CND) using a microwave-assisted approach, giving a high product yield (25%), is reported. Casein was used as a sustainable carbon source, and polyvinylpyrrolidone was used as a stabilizer for the nanodots. The size of the prepared amorphous CND corresponds to individual casein coils, which were only partially carbonized. They were obtained due to the disintegration of casein micelles and submicelles within the microwave-assisted solvothermal process. The resulting nanodots had bright photoluminescence, and their electronic structure and optical properties were investigated. A novel competitive model of their luminescence mechanism was introduced to explain a phenomenon beyond the standard models. The synthesized carbon nanodots were used as luminescent ink for anticounterfeit applications. A polymer matrix nanocomposite was prepared by dispersing the nanodots in a flexible and robust poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) tri-block copolymer (SEBS) using the solution cast method. For the first time, the effect of CND on the luminescence and mechanical properties of the SEBS/CND self-supporting films was studied. The film was also studied as a phosphor for light-emitting diodes, with a unique experimental setup to avoid self-absorption, which results in low efficiency and eliminates the excess UV transmitted. Because of their high luminescence, photostability, and mechanical properties, these CND could be used as luminescent labels in the packaging and optoelectronics industries.
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