Carbon based dots and their luminescent properties and analytical applications

Abstract

Carbon based dots (CDs) composed of sp2 carbon structures and surface functional groups are a new kind of carbon nanomaterials, exhibiting unique luminescent properties due to the quantum confinement and edge effects. This chapter introduces CDs in detail from their synthetic strategies, morphological and structural characteristics, luminescent properties and mechanisms, and sensing applications. The synthesis methods are summarized as “top-down” and “bottom-up” approaches. Luminescent properties discussed include photoluminescence, upconversion luminescence, chemiluminescence, electrochemiluminescence. Sensing applications mainly refer to the chemical and biological sensors based on the luminescent properties of CDs. This chapter provides an overview of the research field and gives future perspectives for developing the exciting materials.