Carbon dots: synthesis, formation mechanism, fluorescence origin and sensing applications. Issue 3 (25th January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Meng Li; Chen, Bin Bin; Li, Chun Mei; Huang, Cheng Zhi
• Is Part Of: Green chemistry. Volume 21:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 449
• Page End: 471
• Publication Date: 2019-01-25
• Subjects: Environmental chemistry -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; 660
• DOI: 10.1039/c8gc02736f
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1463-9262

Abstract

Abstract : We systematically summarize the recent progress in the green synthesis and formation mechanism of CDs with the hope to provide guidance for developing CDs with the concept of green chemistry. In addition, we discuss and organize the current opinions on the fluorescence origin of CDs and the latest progress of CDs in fluorescence sensing applications. Abstract : Carbon dots (CDs) have received an increasing amount of attention because of their significant advantages in terms of low toxicity, chemical inertness, tunable fluorescence, good water solubility, and physicochemical properties. Due to these desirable properties, they have been used in numerous fields, including chemo- and biosensing, fluorescence imaging, and drug delivery. In this review, we aim to demonstrate the recent progress in the green synthesis and formation mechanism of CDs, and provide guidance for developing CDs with the concepts of green chemistry. In addition, we discuss three kinds of most accepted luminescence origins: surface state, quantum confinement effect and molecular fluorescence. Finally, we systematically summarize the latest progress of CDs in fluorescence sensing applications, including both solution phase sensing and solid phase sensing. Furthermore, the challenges and future direction of CDs in this emerging field are discussed.