Emerging Trends of Carbon-Based Quantum Dots: Nanoarchitectonics and Applications

Carbon-based quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as a fascinating class of advanced materials with a unique combination of optoelectronic, biocompatible, and catalytic characteristics, apt for a plethora of applications ranging from electronic to photoelectrochemical devices. Recent research works have established carbon-based QDs for those frontline applications through improvements in materials design, processing, and device stability. This review broadly presents the recent progress in the synthesis of carbon-based QDs, including carbon QDs, graphene QDs, graphitic carbon nitride QDs and their heterostructures, as well as their salient applications. The synthesis methods of carbon-based QDs are first introduced, followed by an extensive discussion of the dependence of the device performance on the intrinsic properties and nanostructures of carbon-based QDs, aiming to present the general strategies for device designing with optimal performance. Furthermore, diverse applications of carbon-based QDs are presented, with an emphasis on the relationship between band alignment, charge transfer, and performance improvement. Among the applications discussed in this review, much focus is given to photo and electrocatalytic, energy storage and conversion, and bioapplications, which pose a grand challenge for rational materials and device designs. Finally, a summary is presented, and existing challenges and future directions are elaborated.

Automated summary

Carbon-based quantum dots (QDs) are advanced materials with unique optoelectronic, biocompatible, and catalytic properties, suitable for a wide range of applications. Recent research has improved the design, processing, and stability of carbon-based QDs, establishing them for frontline applications. This review presents the latest progress in the synthesis of carbon-based QDs, including carbon QDs, graphene QDs, graphitic carbon nitride QDs, and their heterostructures, as well as their significant applications. The synthesis methods are introduced first, followed by a discussion on the relationship between device performance and the intrinsic properties and nanostructures of carbon-based QDs, providing general strategies for optimal device design. Diverse applications of carbon-based QDs are presented, focusing on band alignment, charge transfer, and performance improvement. The review emphasizes photo and electrocatalytic, energy storage and conversion, and bioapplications, which present challenges for rational materials and device designs. Finally, a summary is provided, along with existing challenges and future directions.