Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Pathways to Photoluminescent Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs)

Abstract

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs), a new family of photoluminescent 0D NPs, have recently received a lot of attention. They have enormous future potential due to their unique properties, which include low toxicity, high conductivity, and biocompatibility and accordingly can be used as a feasible replacement for conventional materials deployed in various optoelectronic, biomedical, and energy applications. The most recent trends and advancements in the synthesizing and setup of photoluminescent CQDs using environmentally friendly methods are thoroughly discussed in this review. The eco-friendly synthetic processes are emphasized, with a focus on biomass-derived precursors. Modification possibilities for creating newer physicochemical properties among different CQDs are also presented, along with a brief conceptual overview. The extensive amount of writings on them found in the literature explains their exceptional competence in a variety of fields, making these nanomaterials promising alternatives for real-world applications. Furthermore, the benefits, drawbacks, and opportunities for CQDs are discussed, with an emphasis on their future prospects in this emerging research field.

Carbon Quantum Dots from Roasted Coffee Beans: Their Degree and Mechanism of Cytotoxicity and Their Rapid Removal Using a Pulsed Electric Field

“…In the process of thermal processing, the synthesis of carbon dots via the decomposition of large molecules and the polymerization of small molecules is similar to the “bottom-up” synthesis of carbon dots [ 30 ]. It also has been reported that CQDs can be prepared from natural resources [ 6 , 7 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ].…”

Advances in carbon quantum dot technology for food safety: preparation, modification, applications and mechanisms

“…Traditionally, CQDs were synthesized using non-renewable resources such as coal, petroleum coke, citric acid, acetic acid and octadecenoic acid [13]. However, in recent years, it has become possible to prepare CQDs using biomass waste (agricultural waste, food waste, etc), which means that the synthesis of CQDs has unique and environmentally friendly [14] properties. The extraction of carbon sources from biomass waste is achieved by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) or pyrolysis processes, which do not require the use of solvents that are difficult to decompose and thus facilitate large-scale production.…”