Superhydrophobic materials are gaining significant interest for their self-cleaning properties. Carbon quantum dots (CQDs)

offer a promising avenue due to their unique nanostructure and tunable properties. However, traditional CQD synthesis

methods often suffer from low yields and complex purification processes. This study presents a facile one-step hydrothermal

synthesis of superhydrophobic carbon quantum dots (SCQDs) using dithiobenzoic acid and melamine, with an eco-friendly

hydrophobic passivating agent. This approach yields SCQDs with a production yield exceeding 80% and a scalable purification

technique involving solvent-induced precipitation and microfiltration. The synthesized SCQDs exhibit crystalline carbon

cores of 2–8 nm, fully encapsulated by hydrophobic polymeric chains, resulting in exceptional superhydrophobic properties.

Water droplets readily roll off SCQD-treated surfaces, achieving a contact angle of 163.64°. To demonstrate practical

application, SCQDs were coated onto textile fabric using a simple dip-coating method with a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)

binder. The SCQD-coated fabric exhibits self-cleaning properties, even at a 10° inclination angle, while maintaining fabric

porosity. This facile and scalable approach for producing SCQDs opens up new possibilities for various self-cleaning applications,

including healthcare and outdoor wearables. The exceptional durability and environmental friendliness of SCQDs

make them a promising solution for sustainable and efficient self-cleaning technologies.