A one-step sonoelectrochemical preparation method of pure blue fluorescent carbon nanoparticles under a high intensity electric field

A simple and efficient sonoelectrochemical method was proposed for the preparation of blue fluorescent carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) in pure water. Benefiting from the combination of the high intensity electric field and the ultrasonic field, pure blue fluorescent CNPs were rapidly generated without any complex purification. The obtained CNPs possess excellent fluorescent property and thermodynamic stability in aqueous solution. The effects of the high intensity electric field and the ultrasonic field on the fluorescent property of the electrolytic products were also investigated. Compare to the normal electrolysis, the high intensity electric field played a crucial role in improving the product purity. On the other hand, the electrolytic efficiency was obviously enhanced, since the ultrasonic field could act synergistically with the high intensity electric field. The obtained CNPs have the potential for application in bioimaging, immuno-labeling and fluorescence detection.