Carbon dots and their revolutionary role in pollution detection

Over the past few decades, considerable research efforts have been dedicated to monitoring and quantifying environmental toxic pollutants, with the dual objective of safeguarding both the atmosphere and human health. Within this realm, carbon-based nanomaterials, notably Carbon Dots (CDs), have attracted substantial attention. CDs, belonging to the carbon family of nanomaterials, have emerged as a preferred choice for synthesis and application due to their distinctive attributes. These attributes include low toxicity, biocompatibility, exceptional optical properties, high fluorescence, and a strong commitment to environmental friendliness. This comprehensive review delves into the expanding potential of CDs across a diverse spectrum of environmental applications, spanning from bioimaging and photocatalysis to biochemical sensing. It offers an in-depth examination of advanced technologies that leverage CDs for environmental pollution control and remediation. These technologies encompass pollutant sensing, contaminant adsorption, membrane separation, and pollutant degradation. Furthermore, this review provides insights into existing sensor technologies relevant to environmental applications. Anticipating that the insights presented herein will pave the way for new directions in the advancement of environmental pollution control and remediation, driven by the innovative utilization of CDs.