Abstract

Carbon quantum dots are generally small carbon nanoparticles with the attractive properties of high stability, good conductivity, low toxicity, environmental friendly, simple synthetic routes as well as comparable optical properties to quantum dots. Various methods are developed to synthesize carbon quantum dots like laser ablation, arc discharge, electrochemical techniques, hydro thermal method, ultrasonic method, acid dehydration method, and pyrolysis method. Applications of Carbon quantum dots lie in the field of optronics, Bio-imaging, bio-sensing, drug delivery, materials for dye-sensitized solar cells, organic solar cells, super capacitor, and light emitting devices and catalysis. In this paper, recent hot researches on the synthesis, properties and applications of Carbon quantum dots are reviewed and some problems in the progress of Carbon quantum dots are also summarized.

Keywords

Carbon quantum, Dots, Friendly, Low toxicity, Environmental, Bio-imaging, Bio-sensing, Drug delivery, Synthetic routes, Fluorescence, Nanocrystals, Hydrothermal, Photosensitizer