An ecofriendly approach was developed for preparing copper-doped carbon dots (CDs) with superior photocatalysis using chromium-copper-arsenic (CCA)-treated wood waste as a precursor. Original wood (W-CDs), CCA-treated wood (C-CDs), and bioremediation CCA wood (Y-CDs) were used as the precursors. The chemical composition and structural, morphological, and optical properties, as well as the photocatalytic ability of the synthesized CDs varied with wood type. The C-CDs and W-CDs had similar characteristics: quasispherical in shape and with a diameter of 2 to 4.5 nm. However, the Y-CDs particles were irregular and stacked together, with a size of 1.5-3 nm. The presence of nitrogen prevented the formation of an aromatic structure for those CDs fabricated from bioremediation CCA wood. The three synthesized CDs showed a broad absorption peak at 260 nm and a weak absorption peak at 320 nm. Proof of the model study for the fabrication of luminescent CDs from CCA wood waste for bioimaging was provided. The degradation rate of CD photocatalytic MB was 97.8% for 30 min. Copper doping gives the CDs electron acceptor properties, improving their photocatalytic efficiency. This study provides novel ways to prepare nanomaterials from decommissioned wood as a nontoxic and low-cost alternative to fluorescent dots.
Keywords: CCA-treated wood waste; bioimaging; carbon nanodots; photocatalysis; sustainability; upcycling.