Emerging carbon-based quantum dots for sustainable photocatalysis

Carbon-based quantum dots (QDs), as a new type of zero-dimensional (0D) inorganic material, are favored by researchers because of their superior optical properties, good water solubility, and biocompatibility. Besides graphene QDs (GQDs), many new carbon-based QD materials with good quality and excellent performance have emerged in recent years, such as g-C3N4 QDs (CNQDs), MXene QDs (MQDs), and graphdiyne QDs (GDQDs). These carbon-based QDs will open up unprecedented new opportunities in the fields of materials science, energy and environmental photocatalysis. Regrettably, a comprehensive review of the relevant topics is lacking. This review focuses on the applications of emerging carbon-based QD materials in sustainable photocatalysis. Herein, the structural characteristics of carbon-based QDs are first depicted. On this basis, the preparation, modification, and photocatalytic mechanism of high-quality carbon-based QDs are comprehensively summarized. Subsequently, the latest research progress on typical carbon-based QDs in the field of sustainable photocatalysis is discussed categorically. Finally, the future developments and challenges of highly active carbon-based QDs are proposed insightfully. This review is expected to provide powerful scientific guidance for the design, fabrication, and application of carbon-based QD materials.

Automated summary

Carbon-based quantum dots (QDs), such as graphene QDs (GQDs), g-C3N4 QDs (CNQDs), MXene QDs (MQDs), and graphdiyne QDs (GDQDs), are a new type of zero-dimensional inorganic materials with superior optical properties, good water solubility, and biocompatibility, which have great potential in materials science, energy, and environmental photocatalysis. However, a comprehensive review of the relevant topics is currently lacking. This review focuses on the applications of emerging carbon-based QD materials in sustainable photocatalysis, covering their structural characteristics, preparation, modification, photocatalytic mechanism, research progress, future developments, and challenges. It is expected to provide valuable scientific guidance for the design, fabrication, and application of carbon-based QD materials.