Carbon dots: large-scale synthesis, sensing and bioimaging

Emerging as a potent alternative to classical metal-based semiconductor quantum dots (Qdots), carbon dots (Cdots) possess the distinctive advantages of convenient synthesis, prominent biocompatibility, colorful photoluminescence, and low cost. After almost a decade of extensive studies since their discovery, Cdots have widely been applied in bioimaging, sensing, catalysis, optoelectronics, energy conversion, etc. In this review, we first highlight the synthetic methods for Cdots in a macroscale manner. Second, we briefly discuss the fundamental mechanisms underlying the photoluminescence (PL). Third, we focus on their applications in sensing and bioimaging (including imaging-guided therapy). Some thoughts on…

• FF
  Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types

  Award: 21521001
• BR
  Belarusian Republican Foundation for Fundamental Research

  Award: WK2060190036
• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 21407140, 91022032, 21431006
• CP
  China Postdoctoral Science Foundation

  Award: 2013M531515
• NK
  National Key Research and Development Program of China

  Awards: 2014CB931800, 2013CB933900