A method of inhibiting carbon dioxide (CO2) hydrate formation in a CO2 pipeline is described. The method includes injecting a composition including monoethylene glycol carbon quantum dots (MEG CQDs) into the CO2 pipeline to deposit the MEG CQDs on an inside surface of the CO2 pipeline. The method further includes pressurizing the CO2 pipeline with a gas stream containing CO2 and water vapor at a pressure of 200-2,000 pounds per square inch (psi). The MEG CQDs are present on the inside surface of the CO2 pipeline in an amount effective to reduce the formation of CO2 hydrates in the CO2 pipeline during the pressurizing in comparison to the formation of the CO2 hydrates in the CO2 pipeline under the same conditions but in the absence of the MEG CQDs.