Pharaoh’s Snake-Inspired Carbon Quantum Dots for 3D Printing: Experimental Design and Applications

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are a prominent research topic in the fields of chemistry and interdisciplinary sciences. This paper presents a simple synthesis method for CQDs, aimed at introducing students to the preparation and application of nanomaterials. Through the use of nitrogen-doped CQDs, the experiment enables a systematic understanding of their structure, fluorescence mechanism, and potential applications in interdisciplinary fields, based on a comprehensive literature review. The fluorescence quantum yield of the CQDs was accurately determined using the reference method and characterized in detail using UV–vis, TEM, and XPS techniques. The innovation of this experiment lies in the combination of synthesized CQDs with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) powder, which, after drying, yields a white powder with prominent fluorescence properties. This material was then successfully used in 3D printing to produce a model of the “Lilac I” small satellite, demonstrating the potential application of CQDs in the field of 3D printing. The study further explores the prospects of this material in biomedical applications, particularly in the 3D printing of fluorescent probes. By integrating cutting-edge nanotechnology with traditional experimental teaching, this experiment not only enhances students’ engagement but also fosters their innovative thinking and comprehensive experimental skills.