Clinton M. Masemola
Current Organizations / Institutes
The organizations/institutes from the scholar's latest article
Research Subjects
Research Interests
Clinton M. Masemola has a total of 4 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:
- Ella Cebisa Linganiso
Microscopy and Microanalysis Unit, University of The Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
1 shared publication - Lindokuhle P. Magagula
Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
1 shared publication - Nosipho Moloto
Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
1 shared publication - Tshwafo E. Motaung
Department of Chemistry, Sefako Makgatho Health Science University, P.O. Box 94, Medunsa, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria 0204, South Africa
1 shared publication
Latest Publications
- Open Access
Synthesis of Cellulose-Based Fluorescent Carbon Dots for the Detection of Fe(III) in Aqueous Solutions
The need for eco-friendly, cost-effective, and scalable methods to synthesize carbon quantum dots (CQDs) remains a critical goal in nanotechnology. In this work, nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) were successfully synthesized using cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) derived from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and urea through a rapid one-step microwave-assisted method. The use of renewable cellulose as a precursor aligns with sustainable practices, offering a pathway to transform agricultural waste into valuable nanomaterials. Characterized by TEM, XRD, Raman, XPS, and PL spectroscopy, the N-CQDs demonstrated outstanding optical properties, including strong excitation-dependent fluorescence with an emission maximum at 420 nm. The N-CQDs exhibited exceptional selectivity and sensitivity toward Fe3+, achieving a detection limit of 75 nM. Additionally, the pH-dependent fluorescence and stability in diverse conditions highlight the N-CQDs’ versatility in environmental monitoring. This study establishes a foundation for using agricultural waste to produce high-performance nanostructures for sensing applications, advancing green nanotechnology and environmental solutions.
Open AccessSynthesis of Cellulose-Based Fluorescent Carbon Dots for the Detection of Fe(III) in Aqueous Solutions
The need for eco-friendly, cost-effective, and scalable methods to synthesize carbon quantum dots (CQDs) remains a critical goal in nanotechnology. In this work, nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) were successfully synthesized using cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) derived from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and urea through a rapid one-step microwave-assisted method. The use of renewable cellulose as a precursor aligns with sustainable practices, offering a pathway to transform agricultural waste into valuable nanomaterials. Characterized by TEM, XRD, Raman, XPS, and PL spectroscopy, the N-CQDs demonstrated outstanding optical properties, including strong excitation-dependent fluorescence with an emission maximum at 420 nm. The N-CQDs exhibited exceptional selectivity and sensitivity toward Fe3+, achieving a detection limit of 75 nM. Additionally, the pH-dependent fluorescence and stability in diverse conditions highlight the N-CQDs’ versatility in environmental monitoring. This study establishes a foundation for using agricultural waste to produce high-performance nanostructures for sensing applications, advancing green nanotechnology and environmental solutions.