Description:Form 2

THE PATENT ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)

“A PROCESS OF SUSTAINABLE GREEN SYNTHESIS OF CARBON QUANTUM DOTS FROM SUGARCANE BAGASSE AND PRODUCT THEREOF”

in the name of KOTHARI SUGARS AND CHEMICALS LTD an Indian national having address at, KOTHARI BUILDINGS, 115 MAHATMA GANDHI ROAD, NUNGAMBAKKAM, CHENNAI, CHENNAI – 600034, TAMIL NADU, INDIA.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

SOURCE AND GEOGRAPHICAL ORIGIN OF THE BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL:

SL.
NO COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME PART OF BIOLOGICAL SOURCES SOURCE OF ACCESS DETAILS OF GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
1. Sugarcane Saccharum officinarum Bagasse Trader (i)Name of the trader:
Kothari sugars and chemicals Ltd.

(ii) Contact details: Sathamangalam village,
Vettriyur Post
Ariyalur District – 621707
Tamil Nadu,
India.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention generally relates to a process for producing carbon quantum dots. More particularly, the present invention relates to a process for producing carbon quantum dots from sugarcane bagasse and product thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

Carbon quantum dot is the nano material using carbon as a skeleton structure. It is a kind of dispersion, spherical in size less than 10nm's. Carbon quantum dots are also referred to as carbon dots, carbon nano dot, carbon nano-crystal. Similar with various metal quantum points, carbon quantum dot can issue bright fluorescence under light conditions. Carbon quantum dot is a fluorescent carbon. Incidentally, its unique properties like size and superior photoluminescence property makes it stand apart in the carbon realm.

There are mainly two types of the methods for preparation, first is that the synthetic method of (Bottom-up) from bottom to top and second is, top to bottom (Top-down) method.

The synthesis of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) has employed various synthesis methods, including ultrasonication, microwave pyrolysis, thermal decomposition, arc-discharge, laser ablation, electrochemical and chemical oxidation, and plasma treatment. However, it is crucial to note that many of these methods entail the use of expensive reagents and raw materials, involving multiple intricate steps, and often necessitate the addition of various additives. Moreover, these techniques may not be environment friendly, as they can generate waste byproducts and contribute to higher energy consumption.

There are reports available in the state of the art relating to methods for preparing carbon quantum dots.
CN103387219A
CN103387219A discloses a microwave radiation method for preparing water-soluble polychrome carbon quantum dot, it is characterized in that, comprises the steps:(1) organic carbon source and ultrapure water evenly are hybridly prepared into precursor solution standby;(2) with the precursor solution of gained at microwave power 15W~1000W, 150 ?~180 ? lower radiation heating 15min~300min of temperature, obtain water-soluble polychrome carbon quantum dot.

US8357507B2 discloses the water soluble self-fluorescent quantum carbon dots (C-dots). These C-dots are isolated from carbon soot in one embodiment a wax soot solvent washed and isolated from other larger material by filtration such as by membrane filtration. The C-dots can be varied in their color by change of their size and by the amount of oxidative groups' position on each C-dot.

CN103771390A discloses a method for the synthetic carbon quantum dot of bioactive enzyme assisted microwave synthesis method, is characterized in that, comprises the following steps:(1) carbon matrix precursor and bioactive enzyme are scattered in deionized water, carry out supersound process, make the milky aqueous solution;(2) the described aqueous solution obtaining in step (1) is carried out to microwave heating, after reaction, obtain the carbon quantum dot solution of biological activity enzyme modification;(3) the described carbon quantum dot solution dialysis tubing obtaining in step (2) is dialysed, remove unreacted described carbon matrix precursor and described bioactive enzyme.

Though, conventional methods for synthesizing carbon quantum dots exhibits advantages in the prior arts they do have disadvantages such as use of expensive reagents and raw materials, involving multiple intricate steps, often necessitate the addition of various additives, non-environment friendly as they generate waste byproducts and contribute to higher energy consumption.

Thus, there exists a need in the state of art for an alternative method for synthesizing carbon quantum dots.
Hence an attempt has been made to develop a simple and cost-effective process for preparing carbon quantum dots with sustainability overcoming the above said drawbacks.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION:

The main object of the present invention is to develop a process of sustainable green synthesis of carbon quantum dots.

Another objectof the present invention is to develop a process of sustainable green synthesis of carbon quantum dots from sugarcane bagasse.

Yet another object of the present invention is to synthesize carbon quantum dots employing Polyethylene Glycol 4000, milli Q water, sugarcane bagasse powder.

Further object of the present invention is to utilize the synthesized carbon quantum dots for diagnosing, treating and imaging in the field of medicine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:

Figure 1 depicts sustainable green synthesis of carbon quantum dots of the present invention.

Figure 2 depicts the UV-visible spectrum of carbon quantum dots of the present invention.

Figure 3 depicts High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) analysis of carbon quantum dots.
(a) scale bar of 2nm.
(b) scale bar of 2nm.
(c) scale bar 200nm.
(d) scale bar of 5nm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention discloses a process of sustainable green synthesis of carbon quantum dots from sugarcane bagasse. The process of the present invention comprises of following steps;
a. dissolving Polyethylene Glycol 4000 in milli Q water followed by adding sugarcane bagasse powder to form a solution;
b. subjecting the solution to hydrothermal treatment followed by filtration and dialysis to obtain carbon quantum dots.
The present invention also discloses a carbon quantum dots prepared by the process as described above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention discloses a process of sustainable green synthesis of carbon quantum dots from sugarcane bagasse and product thereof.

The present invention embodies the idea of “waste to wealth” by converting sugarcane bagasse, a widely accessible agricultural waste product, into a valuable precursor for the preparation of carbon quantum dots (CQDs). The innovation reveals a method for making carbon quantum dots (CQDs) by hydrothermally treating sugarcane bagasse, a widely accessible agricultural waste product, with polyethylene glycol (PEG4000).

The steps involved in the procedure are as follows: First, Polyethylene Glycol 4000 (PEG) was dissolved in milli Q waterfollowed by adding sugarcane bagasse powder to form a solution.This solution underwent hydrothermal treatment in a subsequent stage (180oC for 2 hours), producing Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs). Finally, filtration and dialysis are used to separate CQDs.

The hydrothermal treatment process is quicker and simpler, which reduces complexity and energy usage. The hydrothermal synthesis method for producing CQDs, as described, presents a unique set of advantages and innovations, including cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness by avoiding the use of hazardous chemicals and potent acidic treatments, sustainability, and a reliance on renewable resources. These qualities make the method not only economically attractive but also align it with the growing global emphasis on sustainability and eco-conscious manufacturing practices. Additionally, its reliance on sugarcane's renewability ensures a stable and continuous supply of bagasse, which is a valuable asset for consistent CQD production.

The mass production of Carbon Quantum Dots using hydrothermal technology offers a straightforward and highly adaptable process that is well-suited for a variety of biomedical applications. These CQDs, with their scalability, uniformity, and versatility, along with the potential to revolutionize diagnostics, therapy and imaging in the field of medicine due to its biocompatibility.

The prepared Carbon quantum dots of the present invention was then subjected to characterization by UV-visible spectrophotometer analysis and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) analysis.

Carbon nanoparticles created by carbonising sugarcane bagasse are congruent with the UV-visible absorption spectra of carbon quantum dots, which show the broad UV absorption at 279 nm (Figure 2). After ultrasonication, the HRTEM images of carbon quantum dots reveal that the particles are homogeneous in size, monodisperse, and spherical in shape. The average diameter of the carbon quantum dots was in the range of 2 nm to 5 nm (Figure 3).

Advantages:

• The process of the present invention is quicker and simpler, which reduces complexity and energy usage.
• The process of the present invention is cost-effective, environmentally friendly, sustainable, and a reliance on renewable resources.
• The Carbon Quantum Dots of the present inventionis used for diagnosing, treating and imaging in the field of medicine due to its biocompatibility.

In one of the preferred embodiments, the present invention shall disclose a process of sustainable green synthesis of carbon quantum dots from sugarcane bagasse comprises of following steps;
a. dissolving Polyethylene Glycol 4000 in milli Q water followed by adding sugarcane bagasse powder to form a solution;
b. subjecting the solution to hydrothermal treatment followed by filtration and dialysis to obtain carbon quantum dots.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention shall disclose a carbon quantum dots prepared by the process as described above.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention shall disclose a process of sustainable green synthesis of carbon quantum dots from sugarcane bagasse comprises of following steps;
a. dissolving 1 part ofPolyethylene Glycol 4000 in milli Q water followed by adding 5 part of sugarcane bagasse powder to form a solution;
b. subjecting the solution to hydrothermal treatment at 180oC for 2 hours followed by filtration and dialysis for 2 days to obtain carbon quantum dots.
In further preferred embodiment, the present invention shall disclose a carbon quantum dots prepared by the process as described above.

Working example:

Process of sustainable green synthesis of carbon quantum dots from sugarcane bagasse:

1 part of Polyethylene Glycol 4000 was dissolved in milli Q water and 5 part of sugarcane bagasse powder was added to form a solution. The solution was subjected to hydrothermal treatment at 180oC for 2 hours further filtered and dialyzed for 2 days to obtain carbon quantum dots.

Although the invention has now been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments and exemplified with respect thereto, one skilled in art can readily appreciate that various modifications, changes, omissions and substitutions may be made without departing from the scope of the following claims.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A process of sustainable green synthesis of carbon quantum dots from sugarcane bagasse comprises of following steps;

a. dissolving Polyethylene Glycol 4000 in milli Q water followed by adding sugarcane bagasse powder to form a solution;
b. subjecting the said solution to hydrothermal treatment followed by filtration and dialysis to obtain carbon quantum dots.

2. A carbon quantum dots prepared by the process as claimed in claim 1.

3. A process of sustainable green synthesis of carbon quantum dots from sugarcane bagasse comprises of following steps;

a. dissolving 1 part of Polyethylene Glycol 4000 in milli Q water followed by adding 5 part of sugarcane bagasse powder to form a solution;
b. subjecting the said solution to hydrothermal treatment at 180oC for 2 hours followed by filtration and dialysis for 2 days to obtain carbon quantum dots.

4. A carbon quantum dots prepared by the process as claimed in claim 3.

Dated this 05th day of FEB 2024

For KOTHARI SUGARS AND CHEMICALS LTD
By its Patent Agent

Dr.B.Deepa
IN/PA 1477