Carbon Quantum Dots: Properties, Synthetic Methods, Applications in Pharmaceutical and Pollutant Analysis

Introduction: The nanostructured form of carbon known as carbon quantum dots has shown promise in a wide range of fields, including bioimaging, optoelectronics, bio-sensing drug delivery systems, photovoltaics, and photocatalysis. They stand out from the crowd thanks to exceptional conductivity, low toxicity, and great photochemical and thermal stability. Objectives: This article provides a concise overview of the last decade’s worth of study into the use of carbon quantum dots (QDs) like CDs, GQDs, and PDs in the creation of a fluorescence imaging bio-sensing system for the early detection of cancer. Methods: Recent research in the field of Carbon QD (CQD) in the last 20 years was collected, sorted for their application in analysis and summarized. Results and conclusion: Most recent research on the CQDs has focused on their fluorescence characteristics and photocatalytic properties. The authors offer a glimpse into the future in an effort to help researchers overcome obstacles and dive further into this exciting topic.