Tips and Tricks for Applying luminescent carbon dots in chemical Analysis: Recent Advancements, Obstacles, and future Outlook

Carbon dots (CDs) have become widely recognized for their distinct attributes and possible uses in a variety of areas, leading to increased interest over the last few years. CDs are usually smaller than 10 nm in diameter and are composed of carbon atoms organized in either a crystalline or amorphous form. The synthesis of CDs can be achieved through various methods, including bottom-up and top-down approaches. The bottom-up approach includes hydrothermal, microwave, and pyrolysis synthesis, while the top-down approach includes electrochemical and laser ablation methods. These methods result in CDs with different sizes, surface functional groups, and optical properties. Techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are frequently employed to examine the morphology, structure, and chemical composition of CDs. Additionally, the primary problems and obstacles related to CDs are reviewed, along with efforts to advance the related research fields. CDs have demonstrated potential uses in areas including bioimaging, drug delivery, photocatalysis, and sensors. Their exceptional optical characteristics, compatibility with living organisms, and minimal harmful effects on health make them perfect candidates for utilization in biological and environmental applications. In summary, CDs have a broad scope of potential uses and are considered a versatile category of nanoparticles. More investigation is required to examine their characteristics and improve their production processes for particular applications.