Rapid synthesis of carbon quantum dots using organic solvents via combustion method and their role in enhancing polyurethane elasticity

Abstract

This study presents a streamlined combustion technique for the rapid synthesis of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) using various organic solvents, including cyclohexane, toluene, xylene, n-heptanol, and hexane, as carbon precursors. The synthesized CQDs were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), confirming their nanoscale size, functional groups, and crystalline properties. The CQDs were incorporated into polyurethane at concentrations of 0.1–0.5 wt%, significantly enhancing the polymer’s elasticity, as demonstrated by tensile testing. Among the tested solvents, CQDs synthesized from toluene exhibited superior uniformity and mechanical properties when integrated into polyurethane. These findings highlight the potential of CQDs as effective additives for improving material performance in various industrial applications.