AUTHOR=Mosqueda-Prado Jesús Baltazar , Pinillos-Bernal Esteban , Ospina-Montoya Valentina , Vásquez-Rendón Mauricio , Forgionny Angélica , Acelas Nancy 

TITLE=Valorization of nopal wastes to produce quantum dots: optimizing synthesis and exploring in smart textile applications

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Materials

VOLUME=11

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/materials/articles/10.3389/fmats.2024.1478418

DOI=10.3389/fmats.2024.1478418

ISSN=2296-8016

ABSTRACT=<p>Quantum carbon dots (QCDs) were efficiently synthesized from post-extraction residues generated during nopal fabric production using a hydrothermal treatment. These QCDs were applied to nopal fabrics, enhancing their UV solar radiation absorption. The synthesized QCDs exhibited fluorescence emissions in the 200–300 nm range. An eco-friendly dispersion was created by incorporating QCDs into TiO<sub>2</sub> for use in smart textiles, which underlines our commitment to maintaining a sustainable process. Bright and fluorescent patterns were successfully applied to commercial and nopal fabrics using a spray printing technique. Additionally, the QCDs demonstrated pH-sensitive color changes, paving the way for practical applications. This work represents an initial step towards a circular economy by utilizing residues from nopal fabric production to synthesize quantum dots, which may be employed in smart textiles applications with UV absorption capabilities.</p>