Synthesis, Characterization and Applications of Plain and Non-Metal Doped, Biomass-Derived Carbon Quantum Dots: A Short Review

Abstract

Carbon dots (CDs) are very small particles have acquired research interest in the last few years, due to their unique characteristics like low-cost synthetic protocols, fast and flexible modification procedures and low toxicity. These CDs exhibit excellent physical and chemical properties like high crystallization, superconductivity, electronic conductivity, etc. and hence they establish themselves as massive entrants in emerging fields of applications like chemical sensors, nanomedicines and electrocatalytic reactions. Functional nanosensors with luminescent properties are in high demand in bioanalysis and doped carbon dots play a great role in this feature. The elements viz. B, C, N, P and S doped carbon dots are used in the detection of metal ions in biological samples, bioimaging and DNA studies. This critical review examines the environmentally friendly techniques of synthesizing doped/undoped carbon quantum dots from biomasses, with an emphasis on their electrochemical and luminescent applications.