Synthesis of novel cationic carbon dots and application to quantitative detection of K+ in human serum samples

Abstract

Novel cationic carbon dots were synthesized by sonication of quinaldine red in an alkaline aqueous solution at ambient temperature and pressure. The cationic carbon dots were further combined with sodium tetraphenylborate via electrostatic interaction, and the resulting composite was applied to detect K⁺ in human serum samples with ultra-high sensitivity.