A mini-review on carbon quantum dots and its applications

Quantum dots are semiconductor sensor-based particles with optical properties that rely on the quantum confinement effect. These optical properties serve as the foundation for analyte detection and can also be used for doping. Quantum dots are classified into several types based on how they are created: Core-type quantum dots, alloyed quantum dots, and core-shell quantum dots are examples of these types. Quantum dots of the core type are made up of a single component with consistent compositions. Multicomponent systems are used in alloyed quantum dots to provide tunable optical and electronic properties. Internal structures of these quantum dots are homogeneous and gradient. Core-shell quantum dots have advantages such as efficiency and high quantum yield. This property is due to the use of a high bandgap semiconductor shell. Carbon as a material exhibits quantum effects in 0-dimensions (quantum dots), 1-dimensions (nanotubes), 2-dimensions (graphene), and 3-dimensions (graphene) (diamond and graphite). These 0-D materials are used for sensing and various analytical tasks. The mechanisms, preparations, and analytical applications of 0-D carbon materials are discussed in this study.