Polymer–carbon dot nanocomposites for heavy metal ion sensing

Carbon dots (CDs), a distinctive class of carbon-based nanomaterials, have emerged as promising materials for the sensing of heavy metal ions due to their unique properties, including optoelectronic and fluorescence characteristics, exceptional chemical stability, photo stability, superior water solubility, low toxicity, excellent biocompatibility, and bioactivity. The potential to expand the scope of applications of CDs is a current research focus, addressing key requirements in various fields. Embedding CDs within polymer matrices has recently emerged as a promising area of research, offering diverse potential applications. CDs are incorporated into polymer matrices, leading to an enhancement in their stability, dispersion, and sensitivity towards various heavy metal ions. The fluorescence properties of the composite are significantly altered by the interaction with metal ions, allowing for the development of simple and cost-effective sensing platforms using these materials. This composite-based sensing strategy provides added functional advantages while enabling convenient handling and reusability. This review highlights the synthesis, and characteristic features of polymer-CD nanocomposites. Key strategies for the preparation of polymer-CD nanocomposites and their latest applications in heavy metal ion sensing are discussed in detail.