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Hybrid Nanomaterials

Exploring the Structure–Property Relationship in Montmorillonite–Carbon Quantum Hybrid Nanomaterials


Combining montmorillonite (MMT), a layered silicate clay, with carbon quantum dots (CQD) is a promising strategy to develop hybrid nanomaterials with enhanced and tunable properties. In this work, we explore the structure–property relationships in montmorillonite–carbon quantum dot (MCQD) hybrid nanomaterials synthesized through two distinct routes. In Route 1, pre-synthesized CQDs using citric acid and urea as precursors were physically mixed with MMT, giving rise to MCQD-R1 hybrid nanomaterials. In Route 2, MMT was added in situ in the CQD reaction medium before thermal treatment, with contact times from 1 to 16 h, generating MCQD-R2-1 and MCQD-R2-16, respectively.

Structural and spectroscopy techniques were employed to investigate the resulting hybrids. PXRD analysis revealed that the synthesis conditions preserved the crystalline structures of both CQD and MMT clay. The FT-IR indicated that in the MCQD-R1, the interactions with CQD occur primarily via the interlayer water molecules in MMT, whereas in the MCQD-R2-16 samples, the establishment of new chemical bonds involving the carbonyl group of CQD takes place. UV-Vis spectroscopy shows improved colloidal stability of MCQD-R2 hybrids compared to pristine CQDs. Finally, hemolysis assays demonstrated hemolytic activity below 5%, indicating good biocompatibility of the synthesized hybrid nanomaterials.

Based on the structural, optical, and hemocompatibility results obtained in this study, it can be concluded that the combination of montmorillonite and carbon quantum dots through distinct synthesis approaches leads to the formation of hybrid nanomaterials with preserved crystalline integrity of both components. XRD and FT-IR analyses revealed that while Route 1 primarily promotes interactions mediated by interlayer water molecules, the in situ synthesis (Route 2) induces stronger chemical interactions involving the carbonyl and carboxylate groups of CQDs, with slight variations depending on the contact time with the clay.

Elemental analysis confirmed that Route 2 incorporated a higher amount of CQD, likely due to the CQDs that nucleate in close proximity to clay surfaces/edges, favoring multipoint anchoring (electrostatics + H-bonds + edge acid–base). Thermal analysis demonstrated that the hybrids exhibit modified degradation profiles and, in some cases, enhanced thermal stability compared to pristine CQDs, highlighting the influence of montmorillonite on the thermal behavior of the composites. Optical characterization indicated that the hybrids retained the independent emission features of CQDs, with subtle spectral shifts and variations in lifetime decay related to the interactions in the hybrids and nitrogen incorporation, particularly in MCQD-R2-16.

Stability tests showed that the presence of montmorillonite mitigates CQD aggregation over time, especially in MCQD-R1 and MCQD-R2-1, enhancing their potential for long-term applications. Moreover, hemolysis assays confirmed that the selected hybrid, MCQD-R2-1, possesses a hemolysis ratio below 5%, confirming its hemocompatibility. It is worth highlighting that, despite its relatively low CQD loading, MCQD-R1 exhibited exceptional colloidal stability, which underscores the ability of montmorillonite to prevent nanoparticle aggregation even under less favorable incorporation conditions.

network security, computer networks, data communication, wireless networking, LAN, WAN, VPN, network topology, routing protocols, cybersecurity, firewall protection, cloud networking, IoT connectivity, network infrastructure, bandwidth management, network monitoring, server configuration, IP addressing, network performance, digital communication

#NetworkTechnology, #NetworkSecurity, #DataCommunication, #WirelessNetwork, #LAN, #WAN, #VPN, #Routing, #Cybersecurity, #CloudNetworking, #IoTNetwork, #NetworkInfrastructure, #FirewallProtection, #ServerSetup, #BandwidthControl, #NetworkMonitoring, #IPConfiguration, #DigitalConnectivity, #SmartNetwork, #TechNetwork

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