Applications of carbon dots in environmental pollution control: A review

Abstract With the development of carbon-based nanomaterials, carbon dots (CDs) have recently received increasing attention owing to their unique optical properties, low toxicity, facile synthesis, abundance and inexpensive precursors. Along with the demonstrated applications in bioimaging, photocatalysis, and biochemical sensing, CDs are expected to have novel applications in different environmental fields. This work aims to review the recent developments in the use of CDs for environmental pollution control and remediation, such as sensing of environmental pollutants, contaminant adsorption, membrane separation, pollutant degradation, and as antimicrobial agents. Different synthesis methods of CDs as well as properties relevant to environmental applications are also discussed. Compared with other carbon-based nanomaterials, the unique nanostructures and properties of CDs enable exceptional environmental capabilities. Moreover, the challenges and research direction for future environmental applications of CDs are also highlighted. We believe this review will provide new direction to the development of environmental pollution control and remediation using CDs.