A Review on Carbon Quantum Dot Based Semiconductor Photocatalysts for the Abatement of Refractory Pollutants

Abstract

Photocatalysis is a green approach frequently utilised to eliminate a variety of environmentally hazardous refractory pollutants. Accordingly, the modification of semiconductor photocatalysts with Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) is of great importance for the treatment of such pollutants due to their attractive physical and chemical properties. CQDs are a perfect candidate to handle photocatalysts of high‐performance since they operate as co‐catalysts and as visible light harvesters. The higher separation rate of electron‐hole pairs in the photocatalytic system is attributable to better photodegradation efficiency. This review classifies CQD based photocatalysts as pure, doped and composite materials and discusses the specific advantages of CQDs in visible light‐driven photocatalysis. In this work, the versatile roles of CQDs in CQD‐based photocatalytic systems are thoroughly discussed and summarised.