Recent advances in the synthesis of carbon dots from renewable biomass by high-efficient hydrothermal and microwave green approaches

Carbon dots (CDs), a class of novel zero-dimensional nano-materials, have recently emerged as excellent candidates for versatile applications in several fields due to their superior properties such as excellent photostability and biocompatibility, low cytotoxicity, small size, fluorescence, and ease of surface modification. The use of a more environmentally friendly source to produce high-quality CDs remains a crucial issue to be addressed. Green CDs have attracted a lot of attention recently and renewable biomass, especially waste biomass, is a good choice for large-scale CDs synthesis because it not only promotes outstanding properties, has excellent properties but also provides a green solution to balance waste manage-ment goals with those of the circular economy. Here, we highlight recent advances in green synthesis and formation mechanism of CDs from biomass, focusing on innovative one -pot hydrothermal and microwave processes.

Automated summary

Carbon dots (CDs) are a new class of zero-dimensional nano-materials that have excellent properties such as photostability, biocompatibility, fluorescence, and ease of surface modification. The use of renewable biomass, especially waste biomass, for the synthesis of green CDs has gained significant attention as it provides a green solution to waste management goals and circular economy. This article highlights recent advances in the green synthesis and formation mechanism of CDs from biomass, with a focus on innovative one-pot hydrothermal and microwave processes.