Carbonized polymer dots: Illuminating synthesis pathways, optical frontiers, and photoelectronic breakthroughs

Since the discovery of carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) two decades ago, this emerging family of carbon-based nanomaterials has rapidly risen to prominence. CPDs have found widespread applications in sensing, catalysis, energy, and biomedicine due to their flexible precursors and synthesis methods, tunable photoluminescence (PL) properties, and excellent biocompatibility. This report presents the advancements made in the realm of CPD precursors, elucidates their luminescence properties and underlying mechanisms, and explores the diverse applications of CPD-based materials. It comprehensively addresses key issues by delving into several interconnected chapters: Initially exploring the intriguing fluorescence and afterglow properties exhibited by CPDs, subsequently unraveling the complex luminescence mechanisms that underlie these phenomena, emphasizing the crucial aspect of controllable synthesis of CPDs, and ultimately culminating in the precise construction of composite materials tailored for applications in laser and electroluminescent devices. Furthermore, this report aims to provide communication and assistance for the controlled synthesis and expanded applications of CPDs.