C-Weed: Carbon Dots from Seaweed and Seaweed Derivatives

Project Description

In this research the potential of seaweed and seaweed derivatives as feedstocks for the hydrothermal formation of carbon dots will be explored. Kelp and Irish moss seaweeds and their derivatives glucose, galactose, alginic acid and carrageenan will be assessed for the generation of carbon dots by hydrothermal methods. The efficacy of the synthetic and purification protocols examined with varying conditions of temperature, time and pH will be assessed by detailed

structural and photophysical characterisation methods. Photophysical analysis by UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopies will be particularly relevant in establishing the suitability of processes and products for their

subsequent incorporation into optoelectronic devices, such as LEDs and photovoltaic cells.