Preparation of solvent-free starch-based carbon dots for the selective detection of Ru3+ ions

A simple, green, and solvent-free pyrolysis method for the preparation of starch-based carbon dots (CDs) was developed. The CDs prepared at 300 degrees C exhibited a highest quantum yield of 21.0%, which was mainly due to the high degree of graphitisation of the CDs. The CDs were selective for the detection of Ru3+ ion solutions.