Current trends in carbon-based quantum dots development from solid wastes and their applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Increasing urbanization and population growth drive significant solid waste (SW) generation, projected to reach 3.40 billion tons by 2050.
• SWs pose environmental challenges in urban areas globally, necessitating innovative waste management strategies.
• The reusability of SWs is gaining importance for sustainable development and pollution reduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review sustainable synthesis routes for carbon quantum dots (CQDs), graphene quantum dots (GQDs), and graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) derived from solid wastes.
• To explore the diverse applications of these carbon-based quantum dots (Cb-QDs) in various fields.
• To highlight challenges and future research directions in SW-derived quantum dot synthesis and application.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on the conversion of solid wastes into carbon-based quantum dots.
• Analysis of sustainable synthesis methodologies for CQDs, GQDs, and GOQDs.
• Compilation and discussion of reported applications of these nanomaterials.

Main Results:

• Solid wastes can be effectively converted into carbon-based quantum dots (Cb-QDs) through straightforward methods.
• Cb-QDs exhibit promising applications in energy storage, chemical sensing, and drug delivery.
• Sustainable synthesis routes from various SWs are feasible for producing CQDs, GQDs, and GOQDs.

Conclusions:

• The conversion of solid wastes into Cb-QDs offers a sustainable approach to waste management and resource recovery.
• Further research into optimizing synthesis methods and exploring novel applications is warranted.
• Addressing challenges in current synthesis techniques will facilitate the broader implementation of SW-derived quantum dots.