Synthesis, Characterization, and Fluorescence Behavior of Oxidized Biochar Particles

Synthesis, Characterization, and Fluorescence Behavior of Oxidized Biochar Particles

    Presenter(s)

    Bethany R. Davies

    Comments

    This presentation was given live via Zoom at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Wednesday, April 22.

    Description

    Biochar is made through a simple combustion method from any biomass. In this work, we produced fluorescent carbon-based particles using a hydrothermal process whereby biochar and hydrogen peroxide reacted; three separate sources of biomass were investigated. The synthesized particles were characterized via the following spectroscopic methods: Infra-Red, Ultraviolet-Visible, Fluorescence, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. The spectroscopic results suggest the presence of a conjugated carbon lattice with nitrogen and multiple oxygen-containing functional groups. All three biochar-based carbon particles exhibit similar strong fluorescent behavior when excited by light in the ultra-violet to near-visible range, with fluorescence occurring in the visible region over a range of approximately 300 nm with an emission maximum in the 430-450 nm region. The physical and fluorescence characteristics of these particles makes them an ideal candidate for future research into a safe, green, and cost-effective biosensor. Additionally, the minimal waste produced in this synthesis suggests a possible economically viable method for the large-scale production of fluorescent materials.

    Publication Date

    4-22-2020

    Project Designation

    Graduate Research

    Primary Advisor

    Garry S. Crosson

    Primary Advisor's Department

    Chemistry

    Keywords

    Stander Symposium project, College of Arts and Sciences

    United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

    Responsible Consumption and Production

    Synthesis, Characterization, and Fluorescence Behavior of Oxidized Biochar Particles

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