Synthesis and characterization of Carbon Quantum Dots, ZnO and Magnetic Nanoparticles. New Analytical Applications

Abstract

In this dissertation new analytical methods based on the use of magnetic and luminescent nanoparticles are presented. Molecules of clinical (5-hydroxyindole acetic acid, 5-HIAA), environmental (4-nitrophenol) and food (tannic acid) concern have been used as model analytes. Also, the functionalization of ZnO nanoparticles was addressed with the aim to use them as lubricant additives and as nanosensors. Firstly, the synthesis, functionalization and characterization using different analytical tools (XRD, FTIR, TEM, HRTEM, NMR, and Spectrophotometry UV-Vis) were performed. As a result, magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with macrocycles were employed for the separation and determination of 5-HIAA in urine samples and fluorescent carbon quantum dots were used for the determination of 4-nitrophenol in surface waters and tannic acid in wines. Moreover, the mechanisms by which the molecular recognition took place were proposed and explained. All the results are presented in details within the thesis and as a result several articles have been published in international journals.