Synthesis of O–N–S self-doped carbon quantum dots from a discarded football for Fe3+ detection

A discarded-waste football was served as a carbon precursor to build O–N–S self-doped carbon quantum dots (CQDs) by a hydrothermal route. The CQDs have strong cyan luminescence, excellent stability, and their excitation is wavelength-dependent. The CQDs were acted as a fluorescent probe for the detection of Fe3+, exhibiting sensitivity and selectivity, which is of great significance for the effective monitoring of human health.