Advances in the ratiometric combination of quantum dots for their use in sensing applications

Abstract

Quantum dots (QDs) are a novel nanomaterial and have long piqued scientific curiosity. As a result of their nanoscale size, they exhibit a variety of chemical and physical characteristics. They are low-cost materials having good photoluminescence properties and rich surface functional groups. The use of quantum dots as a visual sensor is widely studied. Here, in this review, we summarize some commonly used quantum dots in sensing applications and how they can be used in ratiometric combinations to achieve a higher limit of detection (LOD). From metal ions to biomolecules and from explosives to organic quantum dots have been used widely as a sensor. In the later sections, some basic sensing mechanisms were also discussed. Finally, we suggest future prospects for how quantum dots could be industrially upscaled and be used to create sensor devices for use as field test kits.