Fluorescent carbon dots for sensing applications: a review.

Area of Science:

• Nanomaterials Science
• Materials Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Carbon dots (CDs) are luminescent nanomaterials with excellent photoluminescence, biocompatibility, and water solubility.
• CDs are synthesized via top-down and bottom-up approaches, with fluorescence originating from molecular, surface, or quantum confinement effects.
• Their unique properties enable diverse applications in biochemical sensing, photocatalysis, bioimaging, and drug delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the applications of carbon dots as sensing components.
• To summarize the detection capabilities of CDs for various analytes.
• To explore future prospects of carbon dots in sensing technologies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of carbon dot synthesis and applications.
• Analysis of studies employing carbon dots for analyte detection.
• Discussion of proposed mechanisms for carbon dot fluorescence.

Main Results:

• Carbon dots are effective in sensing a wide range of targets, including anions, cations, small molecules, polymers, cells, and microorganisms.
• The review consolidates current understanding of carbon dot fluorescence mechanisms.
• Various applications in biochemical sensing are demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• Carbon dots are promising materials for sensitive and selective detection of diverse analytes.
• Further research into carbon dot properties will enhance their utility in sensing.
• Future applications of carbon dots as detection resources are substantial.