Luminescent carbon dots versus quantum dots and gold nanoclusters as sensors†

Ultra-small nanoparticles, including quantum dots, gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) and carbon dots (CDs), have emerged as a promising class of fluorescent material because of their molecular-like properties and widespread applications in sensing and imaging. However, the fluorescence properties of ultra-small gold nanoparticles (i.e., AuNCs) and CDs are more complicated and well distinguished from conventional quantum dots or organic dye molecules. At this frontier, we highlight recent developments in the fundamental understanding of the fluorescence emission mechanism of these ultra-small nanoparticles. Moreover, this review carefully analyses the underlying principles of ultra-small nanoparticle sensors. We expect that this information on ultra-small nanoparticles will fuel research aimed at achieving precise control over their fluorescence properties and the broadening of their applications.