“…20 Also, novel strategies for the development of fluorescent chemosensors for the selective detection of Hg 2+ ions in aqueous or semi-aqueous medium are at an early stage. 18,21 On account of the remarkable properties of carbon quantum dots (CDs), such as their great resistance to photo-bleaching, strong chemical inertness, less toxicity, excellent water solubility, and decent cost and biocompatibility, they have enticed the research community to explore their applications in the fields of bio-imaging, drug delivery, sensors, and optoelectronic devices. 22,23 Also, CDs are an excellent alternative to heavy metal-based semiconductor quantum dots due to their low toxicity, high photostability, and colorful photoluminescence.…”