Emerging carbon-based quantum dots for sustainable photocatalysis

Abstract

Carbon-based quantum dots (QDs), as a new type of zero-dimensional (0D) inorganic material, are favored by researchers because of their superior optical properties, good water solubility, and biocompatibility. Besides graphene QDs (GQDs), many new carbon-based QD materials with good quality and excellent performance have emerged in recent years, such as g-C₃N₄ QDs (CNQDs), MXene QDs (MQDs), and graphdiyne QDs (GDQDs). These carbon-based QDs will open up unprecedented new opportunities in the fields of materials science, energy and environmental photocatalysis. Regrettably, a comprehensive review of the relevant topics is lacking. This review focuses on the applications of emerging carbon-based QD materials in sustainable photocatalysis. Herein, the structural characteristics of carbon-based QDs are first depicted. On this basis, the preparation, modification, and photocatalytic mechanism of high-quality carbon-based QDs are comprehensively summarized. Subsequently, the latest research progress on typical carbon-based QDs in the field of sustainable photocatalysis is discussed categorically. Finally, the future developments and challenges of highly active carbon-based QDs are proposed insightfully. This review is expected to provide powerful scientific guidance for the design, fabrication, and application of carbon-based QD materials.