Prompt in situ synthesis of sulphur doped carbon dots from jaggery for parallel determination of iron, chromium and manganese in environmental samples

The synthesis of sulphur doped carbon dots (S-CDs) from jaggery using a microwave-assisted method and their application in the detection of iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), and manganese (Mn) is presented in this study. The microwave synthesis method involved the carbonization of jaggery in presence of sulphuric acid solution under controlled conditions. The resulting S-CDs exhibited excellent photoluminescent properties, characterized by strong fluorescence emission in the visible range. Structural and optical characterization of the synthesized S-CDs was performed using transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The S-CDs demonstrated high fluorescence selectivity, excellent liner range and limit of detection towards these metals, enabling the efficient detection of iron, chromium, and manganese in environmental samples. The fluorescence quenching of the S-CDs in the presence of Fe, Cr, and Mn ions was used for quantitative analysis, providing a rapid and sensitive detection platform.