Application of Carbon Dots and Their Composites to Analysis of Heavy Metals and Small Biomolecules by Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Abstract

Carbon Dots (CDs) have attracted significant attention due to their unique photoluminescent properties, biocompatibility, and versatile surface functionalities. After a brief introduction devoted to their synthesis and characterization, this review explores the fluorescence properties of CDs, and how these are impacted by non-metallic and metallic atom doping, surface functionalization and passivation. Applications of CDs for analyzing heavy metals and small molecules of biomedical interest by fluorescence spectroscopy are discussed. CD composites with inorganic or organic materials are presented along with applications to both the assay and removal of heavy metal and organic pollutants. Challenges and future prospects in this emerging field are addressed.