Fluorescent carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) were prepared by nanosecond laser ablation of graphite powder in liquid. The effect of the liquid medium on photoluminescence (PL) efficiency and wavelength range were studied experimentally. Four solvents, polyethylene glycol, diethanolamine, diethylamine, and ethylenediamine were used as liquid platforms in the synthesis process. Analyzing the chemical components and optical spectral characterization of CNPs was carried out by attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, respectively. Moreover, the size of CNPs was estimated by using dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. Liquid components are determined to be a key factor affecting PL properties and nanoparticle size. The results are valuable in practical applications. Manuscript profile