CARBON

QUANTUM
DOTS
19290747 Gizem Buse YALIN
19290727 Rüveyda ŞAHAN
18290600 Şe yma Şevval TUNA
18290536 Zilan BOZAN
CONTENTS
1.Introduction
1.1. What Is Carbon Quantum Dots
2.History
3.Synthesis of Carbon Quantum Dots
3.1. Top Dow Approach
3.1.1. Arc-Discharge Method
3.1.2. Laser Ablation Method
3.1.3. Electrochemical Method
3.2. Bottom Up Approach
3.2.1. Thermal Routes
3.2.2. Microwave-Assisted Method
3.2.3. The Hydrothermal and Aqueous-Based Method
3.2.4. Template Method
3.2.5. Advantages/Disadvantages of The Methods
4. Structure of Carbon Quantum Dots
4.1. Chemical Structures of Carbon Quantum Dots
5. Properties of Carbon Quantum Dots
5.1. Electrical Properties
5.2. Electrochemical Properties
5.3. Physical Properties
5.3.1. Physiochemical properties (catalytic)
5.3.2 Optical properties
5.3.2.1. Absorption
5.3.2.2. Photoluminescence
5.3.2.2.1. Fluorescence
5.3.2.2.2. Phosphorescence
5.3.2.3. Electroluminescence
5.3.2.4. Up-converted photoluminescence
5.3.3. Photoinduced electron transfer
5.3.4. Biological properties
5.4. Chemical properties
6.Types
6.1. Hydrophobic Carbon Quantum Dots
6.2. Hydrophilic Carbon Quantum Dots
6.2.1. Undoped Carbon Quantum Dots
6.2.2. Doped Carbon Quantum Dots
7. Characteriazation
7.1. Structural Characterization
7.1.1. X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD)
7.1.2. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
7.1.3. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)
7.1.4. Raman Spectroscopy
7.1.5. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)
7.1.6. Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR)
7.1.7. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
7.1.8. UV-Vis Spectra
8. Energy Storage Applications
8.1. Photocatalysts
8.2. Solar Cells
8.3. Sensors
8.4. Supercapacitors
8.5. Lithium-ion Batteries
8.6. Sodium-ion Batteries
9. Advantages and Disadvantages of Carbon Quantum Dots
10. Future Research
11. References
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. WHAT IS CARBON QUANTUM DOTS?
• Carbon quantum dots
(CQDs) are a class of
carbon-based
nanomaterials that exhibit
unique effects, which give
them distinct optical and
electronic properties. These
nanoscale carbon structures
are typically in the form of
tiny, nearly spherical
particles with dimensions Figure 1. Quantum dots cellular probes [1]
ranging from a few
nanometers to a few tens of
nanometers.
• Because of the dots’ small size, the amount of energy
released is relatively consistent from electron to electron,
yielding emissions of a single color.
2. HISTORY
• QD was first discovered in the
early 1980s by a Russian Physicist
Alexei Ekimov from State Optics
Institute Vavilov (Leningrad),
synthesizing copper chloride and
cadmium selenide nanocrystal in
a molten glass matrix.
• In 2023, he was awarded the
Nobel Prize in Chemistry for this
discovery.
3. SYNTHESIS OF • Synthetic techniques for CQDs are categorized into two
classes, ‘bottom-up’ and ‘top-down’ courses. These can
CARBON be accomplished by means of chemical, electrochemical
QUANTUM DOTS or physical systems.

Figure 2. Different methods for the synthesis of carbon quantum dots [2]
 • Top-down strategies involve the fragmentation of carbon
3.1. TOP-DOWN matter into CNPs, and strategies comprising arc
discharge, laser ablation, and electrochemical
APPROACHES approaches.
 3.1.1. ARC-
DISCHARGE
METHOD
• With the arc-discharge technique, a
high-energy process, a bulk carbon
raw material is broken down in an
anode electrode while plasma is
created between two electrodes that
are positioned as close to each other
as possible while high voltage is
applied inside a sealed reactor.

Figure 3. Arc-Discharge method [3]

3.1.2. LASER
ABLATION METHOD
• In the laser ablation process, solid bulk
material is placed in to high vacuum
conditions by use of a high-energy
laser pulse. When incoming laser
energy is absorbed by the target
material, it heats up rapidly,
evaporates, or sublimates into a
plasma state, and the vapour
subsequently crystallizes to produce
Figure 4. Laser ablation synthesis of CQD [4]
nanoparticles.
3.1.3. ELECTROCHEMICAL
METHOD
Figure 5. Electrochemical synthesis [5]

• In electrochemical synthesis of carbon quantum dots, a

counter electrode and a working electrode made of an
appropriate carbon source, such as graphite rods, carbon
fibers or multi-walled carbon nanotubes, are used.
3.2. BOTTOM-
UP
APPROACHES

• Bottom-up strategies incorporate

template strategy, thermal
routes, hydrothermal and
aqueous methods, microwave-
assisted strategy.
 3.2.1. THERMAL
ROUTES
• Typically involves the high-temperature
decomposition of precursor compounds to form
nanoscale semiconductor particles.

• The solution is heated to a high temperature,

typically in the range of 200-350°C, under an
inert atmosphere, such as nitrogen or argon, to Figure 6. CQD synthesise from the hair [6]
prevent oxidation.
3.2.2. MICROWAVE-
ASSISTED METHOD

• In this technique, electro-

magnetic waves having
wavelengths of around 1
mm to 1 m are used to
break chemical bonds to
allow the formation of
CQDs within less than 10
min. Figure 7. Synthesis of CQD with the microwave method [7]
3.2.3. THE HYDROTHERMAL
AND AQUEOUS-BASED
METHOD

• It is a simple and costeffective

technique for the synthesis of
CQDs from saccharides or organic
acids. Typically, a solution of
organic precursor is sealed and
reacted in a hydrothermal reactor
at high temperature. CQDs were
prepared via HTC from many
precursors such as glucose, citric
acid, chitosan, banana juice, and
protein.

Figure 8. Preparation of carbon quantum dots from corn straw [8]

3.2.4. TEMPLATE
METHOD

• Template method has been widely used in

the synthesis of CQDs because it can
prepare numerous nano-materials with
high QY and uniform size distribution.

Figure 9. processing diagram of the soft -hard template approach toward photoluminescent CQDs
using 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (TMB) as a carbon source. [9]
3.2.5. Advantage/Disadvantages of The Methods

Figure 10. Table of advantageous and disadvantageous

 4. STRUCTURE OF CARBON
QUANTUM DOTS
• CQDs belong to the carbon family and have zero
dimension with highly crystalline structures with a
diameter of less than 10 nm. As per scientific records,
shape of CQDs maybe circular or elliptical; some
possess quadrate, triangular, and hexagonal structures
[10]. Fig. 11 shows the generalized structure of CQDs
with the common surface functional groups including
carboxyl, hydroxyl, and amino groups exhibited in
outermost shell and dopants like O, N, S, and others
are present in the carbon structures.

Figure 11. Generalized structure of carbon quantum dots [11]

• Compared to traditional and metallic
quantum dots, the chemical stability
of CQDs is promising. Though CQDs
can be synthesized by both top-down
approach and bottom-up approaches,
the latter approach is preferred for
charge storage applications. Based on
the structural properties, CDs are
generally classified as CNDs, CQDs,
PDs, and GQDs.
4.1. Chemical Structures of Carbon Quantum Dots

• The chemical structure of CQD is

shown in Fig. 12. diamond-like
carbon insertions are present in the
CD nanoparticles. Because the dots
include graphene lattices, they
resemble a single or layered
graphene crystalline structure.

Figure 12. Schematic chemical structure of CQDs [28].

 5. Properties of
Carbon Quantum
Dots
5.1. Electrical Properties
The electrical properties can be changed
based on the available mobile charge carriers.
The size of the CQDs plays a crucial role in the
enhancement of electrical conductivity. It is
quite clear that the crystallinity of the CQDs
plays a vital role in the conduction. CQDs, the
sp2 hybridization mediates the electron
transport while behaving as an electron
acceptor/donor. The inclusion of CQDs into
the material can thereby contribute to the
retention of the stored charges in case of
cycling. CQDs help in stopping material change
or degradation over large charge-discharge
cycles. [12]
5.2. Electrochemical Properties Of CQDs

• CQDs have special electrochemical (electron transfer) properties which make them
promising candidates in electrochemical applications. The following aspects of CQDs are
advantages in electrochemistry; (i) large surface area increases electrical conductivity as a
result of electron hole pair formation, (ii) low cost and low toxicity [13–15] (iii) abundant
surface functionalities including carboxyl, amino, and hydroxyl groups, all of which enable
surface modification to enhance particles stability and fine-tune their chemical and
physical properties [16].
 • The size-dependent physical properties such as
absorbance, PL, magnetic behavior, melting and boiling
point, particle size and morphology, density, tensile
nature, conductivity, heat absorption, etc. of CQDs play
a vital role in their different applications. These
properties are mainly controlled by the synthesis

5.3. PHYSICAL procedure as both the carbon core and the surface
passivation play critical role in controlling such as parameters. CQDs are generally quasi-spherical in

PROPERTIES shape, and depending on the precursors and synthetic

pathways utilized, they can be crystalline or amorphous
carbon with a variety of adjustable surface groups. [30]
• Mechanical qualities of CQ Ds include elongation at
break, tensile strength, scratch hardness, toughness,
flexibility, and impact resistance. [32]
• The density of CQDs can be observed as 1.0032 g/mL.
• CQDs possess high purity and good water solubility. Many
carboxyl moieties present on CQDs surface impart excellent
solubility in water. Citric acid is an important organic acid with
strong water solubility that is often employed as a carbon source
to synthesize CQDs. [33]
• CQDs have a substantial, positive susceptibility to an externally
applied magnetic field, as well as a strong attraction to it and the
ability to maintain their magnetic characteristics when the
external field is withdrawn.
• Fluorescent CQDs in aqueous media are mostly transparent in
appearance and emit color under UV light. It is also observed
that at elevated temperatures the CQD solutions turns to yellow
color and on cooling to room temperature again it turns to
transparent color. [34,35]
5.3.1. Physiochemical
Properties (Catalytic)
• The conductivity of the CQDs mostly depends on the
size, shape, heteroatom doping, and changes in surface
functional groups which possess a large surface area and
quick charge transfer phenomena.

• Organic groups facilitate water molecule adsorption and

improve coordinating sites with metal ions, resulting in
the formation of CQDhybridized catalyst. CQDs may be
employed as efficient confined electron acceptors in
metal organic frameworks to isolate photogenerated
Figure 13. (A) Different catalytic reactions of CQDs. (B) schematic illustration of the photocatalytic
carriers from core metallic nanoparticles, boosting their degradation of organic pollutants using CQDs as photocatalyst. CQDs, Carbon quantum dots. [36]
photocatalytic activity significantly.
• CQDs hybridized with other
inorganic materials, such as
metal sulfides, layered double
hydroxides (LDHs), and metal
phosphides, can be utilized as
excellent electrocatalytic
materials for oxygen reduction
reaction (ORR), hydrogen
evolution reaction (HER), oxygen
evolution reaction (OER), and
carbon dioxide reduction
reaction (CO₂ RR). [37]
 • CQDs show some of the significant optical
properties, such as absorption, PL,
5.3.2. Optical fluorescence, etc., which are mostly depend
Properties on their size and the surface properties.
5.3.2.1 Absorption
UV-visible spectrophotometry is commonly used to assess CQDs' ability to absorb light in the UV-visible region.
Oxygen and doping can alter the position of the absorption peak in CQDs.

CQDs exhibit optical absorption peaks in the UV-visible region due to the n transition of sp2-conjugated carbon
and the n- transition of hybridization.

Heteroatoms like N, S, and P in a hybridized state could contribute to CQDs' optical absorption peaks, and
surface passivation or modification techniques affect optical absorbance.

The absorption band is characteristic of an aromatic compound. [38]

 • Photoluminescence is light emission from any form of matter after the
absorption of photons (electromagnetic radiation). It is one of many forms of
luminescence (light emission) and is initiated by photoexcitation (i.e. photons
that excite electrons to a higher energy level in an atom).
5.3.2.2. Photoluminescence • Mostly, the CQDs exhibit a wide and excitation-dependent PL emission
spectrum that can be easily tuned by varying the concentration, where the PL
strength of the CQDs increases at first and then decreases gradually as the
concentration increases. The PL emission wavelength is mostly greater than
that of the excitation wavelength. [37]

Figure 14. (A) CQDs prepared from glucose/NaOH, and (B) CQDs prepared from glucose/HCl [39]
5.3.2.2.1. Fluorescence
• Fluorescence is the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other
electromagnetic radiation. It is a form of luminescence. In most cases, the emitted light has a
longer wavelength, and therefore a lower photon energy, than the absorbed radiation.
• Surface defects.
• The fluorescence mechanism driven by surface-related defects in CQDs depends on the surface-
to-volume ratio. Smaller CQDs with a larger surface-to-volume ratio exhibit more surface defects,
leading to enhanced fluorescence.
• Density-functional theory simulations suggest that carboxyl groups on sp2-hybridized carbons can
induce significant local distortions and minimize the energy gap.[40]
 5.3.2.2.2. Phosphorescence

• Phosphorescence is a type of photoluminescence related to

fluorescence. When exposed to light (radiation) of a shorter
wavelength, a phosphorescent substance will glow,
absorbing the light and reemitting it at a longer wavelength.
• Unlike fluorescence, a phosphorescent material does not
immediately reemit the radiation it absorbs. Instead, a
phosphorescent material absorbs some of the radiation
energy and reemits it for a much longer time after the
radiation source is removed.[30]
• In the phosphorescence of CQDs, hydrogen bonding plays a
vital role [42]. Increased stiffness introduced by hydrogen
bonding of water and cyanuric acid of CQDs increases the Figure 15. Phosphorescence of CQDs analyzed by wavelength versus
phosphorescence lifespan in the aqueous solution [ 43]. intensity plot [44]
5.3.2.3. Electroluminescence (EL)

• Electroluminescence (EL) is an optical and electrical phenomenon, in which a material emits

light in response to the passage of an electric current or to a strong electric field. [46].
• The emission color of CQD-based light-emitting diodes may be adjusted by the driving current.
Under varying working voltages, watchable EL colors detected from the identical CQDs range
from blue to white [45].
• Surface flaws such as sp2 and sp3 -hybridized carbon, as well as other surface defects of CQDs,
cause fluorescence emission, and even fluorescence intensity and peak position are connected
to this defect.[47]
5.3.2.4. Up-Converted Photoluminescence
• In contrast to regular PL, in UCPL the emission wavelength is shorter than the
excitation wavelength. Researchers discovered that CQDs made by laser ablation
had significant luminescence in the NIR (800 nm) with two-photon excitation,
implying that they have UCPL characteristics [34].
• The UCPL of CQDs can be attributed to the multiphoton activation process; this
feature of CQDs can be used for a Figure 16. Up-converted photoluminescence (UCPL) spectra of CQDs at variety of
applications, including in vivo different excitation wavelengths. CQDs, Carbon quantum dots. [39]
bioimaging, because bioimaging at
longer wavelengths is usually preferred
due to improved photon tissue
penetration and lower background
auto fluorescence. [48]
• Photoinduced electron transfer (PET) is an excited state electron transfer process by which an
excited electron is transferred from donor to acceptor.
 • CQDs could be quenched efficiently by either electron acceptors or electron donors in the solution
[49].

• Through redox reactions, some indirect experimental 5.3.3. Photoinduced •

proof was gained. [48]. Photoinduced electron transfer capabilities of CQDs

Electron Transfer offer up new possibilities for their possible applications. Irradiating a CQD
solution with a noble metal (e.g.,
silver, gold, or platinum) salt causes the noble metal to
form and deposit on the surface of the CQDs. Because
the noble metal has a high electron affinity, it absorbs
electrons from the connected CQDs, interrupting
radiative recombination once more, resulting in the very
effective static suppression of fluorescence emissions
seen. [48]
 • One of the most essential aspects of CQDs is their biocompatibility, which
5.3.4. Biological may be achieved in the field of bioimaging due to their low toxicity and
Properties luminous qualities in living systems. CQDs that are made by decomposing
citric acid monohydrate and diethylene glycol bisphosphate have high
fluorescence characteristics and minimal cytoxicity during imaging (3-
aminopropyl) [47].

Figure 17. Bioimaging of HeLa cells. (A) Excitation at 405 nm causes blue emission. (B) Excitation at 458 nm produces green emission. (C) Excitation at 514 nm causes red
emission. [41]
5.3.3. Chemical Properties
• CQDs are primarily made up of carbon
atoms, with oxygen, nitrogen, and
maybe other dopants added
depending on the elements present as
well as reaction circumstances such as
time and temperature.
• CQDs have an aromatic carbonized
structure that increases their strength,
and their peripheral polar functional
groups generate strong physiochemical
interactions that boost their elasticity
and toughness.
• There are a variety of characterization
techniques to identify the structure of
CDs including investigating crystallinity,
 morphology, size distribution, and Figurewith a size distribution of 2.2 18. (a) Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image of single
layer GQDs ± 0.2 nm (b) high-resolution transmission electron

chemical functionality.[40] microscopy (HRTEM) images of single layer GQDs showing a lattice spacing of 0.21
nm and (c) The fast Fourier transform (FFT) pattern of single layer GQDs in b. [40]
6.TYPES
6.1. Hydrophobic Carbon Quantum Dots

Hydrophobic CQDs are prepared by using

nonpolar solvents (organic solvents),
containing carboxyl and carbonyl functional
groups, using top-down approach. It
generally consists of carbohydrate as carbon
source with some nonpolar solvents like
octadecylamine and octadecane.[17]
Figure 19. Scheme of classification of CQDs. [18]
6.2. Hydrophilic Carbon
Quantum Dots
• Hydrophilic CQDs are prepared from aqueous solutions
using a bottom-up technique, which consists of
functional groups like epoxy and hydroxyl at surfaces.
These hydrophilic CQDs are particularly soluble in water
and other polar solvents, which distinguishes them from
other carbon-based nanomaterials. Hydrophilic CQDs
are also nontoxic and biocompatible. These CQDs have a
high hydrophilicity due to the presence of different
functional groups such as carbonyl, hydroxyl, epoxy,
carboxylic acid, amino, and ether on the surface of sp2 -
hybridized CQDs [19,20,21]. Again, CQDs can be
classified into two types: undoped and doped .
6.2.1. Undoped Carbon Quantum Dots

• The regular CQDs contain carbon (C) with

hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) atoms and are
mostly undoped. The natural or synthesized
precursors as carbon source for the preparation
provide simple and easy form of CQDs with
surface passivation. Surface passivation is the
development of a thin layer of insulation to cover
the outside surface of CQDs and it can be done by
several synthesis techniques. The absence and
presence of fringe like structures for the dopants
Figure 20. Illustration of undoped and doped CQDs [18].
emphasize the undoped and doped CQDs
respectively as shown in Fig. 20.
6.2.2. Doped Carbon
Quantum Dots
• CQDs are doped and co-doped to
improve their physical and optical
characteristics. Heteroatom doping in
CQDs improves the properties through
lone pairs of electrons. Functional
groups including heteroatoms such as
oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus,
and boron may be present in some
situations [22,23]. Fig. 21 depicts doping
of various elements into the CQDs. Figure 21. Schematic representation of various doped CQDs [18]
7.CHARACTERIZATION
7.1. Structural Characterization

Structure analysis and characterization focuses on contribution of

significant components such as crystal structure, structural parameters,
and position of the functional groups as these have important effects on
the characteristics and properties of the material. These are generally
known to be structureactivity or structureproperty. In other words, these
are collectively termed as structural characterization techniques—
namely, XRD, SEM, TEM, Raman, XPS, FTIR, AFM, UVvis, etc.
7.1.1. X-ray Powder
Diffraction (XRD)
• XRD is an efficient analytical
approach for determining material’s
crystal structure, unit cell size, crystal
spacing, and phase identification. CQDs
are both amorphous and crystalline in
nature which can be confirmed by XRD
results; this may depend on the
synthesis procedure.
Figure 22. (A) XRD pattern of crystalline CQDs, (B) XRD pattern of amorphous CQDs,
(C) shows high degree of C (002) plane for the partial graphitic and the amorphous
nature of N-CQDs. (D) XRD pattern of UCQD [18].
 • An SEM gives information about surface morphology,
7.1.2. Scanning granular orientation, crystallographic information, and
chemical composition of CQDs. The morphology of CQDs
Electron Microscope clearly shows spherical and spongy nature and the size of
(SEM) about 5060 nm, as shown in Fig. 23. A Also Fig. 23.B
shows SEM image of M-CQDs around 100 nm.

Figure 23. SEM images of (A) CQDs and (B) M -CQDs. [18]
 7.1.3. Transmission
Electron Microscope
(TEM)
• TEM is a technique where a beam of
electrons is transmitted through an
ultrathin specimen. These electrons
are interacting with the atoms in the
material which gives magnified and
focused image onto an imaging
device which can be detected by a
sensor or a camera. The principal
approach for visualizing CQDs is
TEM, which provides crucial
information on particle shape, size
distribution, and crystalline
structure.

Figure 24. TEM image of CQDs, [18]

7.1.4. Raman
Spectroscopy
• Raman scattering is used as
very basic analytical tool for
detecting CQD formation. A
standard Raman spectrum
has two peaks, one for the D
band and the other for the G
band. The D band is about
1350/cm and is attributed to
disordered sp2 carbons, Figure 25. Raman spectroscopy of CQDs peak at 1340 and 1590/cm. [18]
whereas the G band is about
1600/cm.
7.1.5. X-ray
Photoelectron
Spectroscopy (XPS)

• XPS gives information of particular

atomic units on surface of CQDs.
With monochromatized Al K-alpha
radiation, the spectral analysis
reveals unique nitrogen-, oxygen-,
and carbon-bonded units shown on
the CQDs surface [24]. XPS is a
technique for analyzing primarily C
and O components, with minimal N
and S element XPS can be used to
determine the chemical structure
and content of CQDs.
Figure 26. XPS spectrum of CQDs, (A) XPS full-survey spectrum of CQDs, (B) highresolution XPS
spectrum for C1s, (C) N1s and (D) O1s.
7.1.6. Fourier- • FTIR spectroscopy is used to investigate the chemical
bonding, surface functional groups, and structure of
Transform Infrared CQDs. The spectra of the CQDs were measured in the
(FTIR) wavenumber ranging from 400 to 4000/cm.

Figure 27. (A and B) FTIR spectrum of CQDs [18].

7.1.7. Atomic Force
Microscopy (AFM)

• AFM used to identify

topographic height in 2D and
3D structures [25]. The height
profiles display that the
typical topographic height
difference of the N-CQDs
approached 2 nm, as
illustrated in Fig. 28, reveals
Figure 28. AFM images of N-CQDs.
the small spherical
morphology of the N-CQDs
 • UV-visible spectra frequently show apparent optical absorption
7.1.8. UV-Vis in the UV-visible region; the CQDs exhibits absorption spectra of
around 260323 nm. Surface passivation of CQDs with various
Spectra compounds leads to a shift in absorbance to longer wavelength
according to the findings. The optimal emission wavelength red
shifts as particle size increases [26].

Figure 29. (A) The UV-vis absorption spectra of N-CQDs in aqueous solution are shown: (B) white (left; ordinary lamp;
hues are pale green, pale yellow, yellow, and red, respectively) and UV light illuminate four common sizes of CQDs.
8. APPLICATIONS
OF CARBON
QUANTUM DOTS
8.1. CQDs Can Be Used
As Photocatalysts
• Uses for environmental applications
such as splitting water, breaking down
pollutants and producing clean energy
• This means that CQDs can effectively
absorb light, and what is absorbed can
be re-emitted as light.
Photoluminescence properties
indicate information about using light
energy to initiate or accelerate
photolysis reactions. Fig. 30 Possible catalytic mechanism of theTiO2–CQD nanocomposites under
visible light. (Reproduced with permission from ref. 36.)
• CQDs have good
chemical stability, which
is important for their
long-term performance
in photolytic processes.
They can maintain their
structural integrity and
catalytic activity even
under harsh chemical
conditions.
8.2. Solar
Cells • CQDs can be integrated into solar cells to improve their efficiency and
reduce manufacturing costs, serving as sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar
cells (DSSCs).
• CQDs can be integrated into the electrode materials of batteries such as
lithium-ion batteries. As additives or coatings on electrodes, CQDs can
increase the electrical conductivity of the electrode, leading to improved
charging and leakage rates. This is achieved by changing the battery to
faster charging and discharging.
8.3. Sensors
• CQDs are used in sensors for
the detection of various
analytes. Their unique
electronic and optical
properties can be harnessed
for sensing applications, such
as detecting heavy metals,
ions, and biomolecules. They
can be used in environmental
monitoring and medical
diagnostics.
SOME WAYS
TO USE CQDS Supercapacitors:
Lithium-ion Batteries:
FOR ENERGY Sodium-ion Batteries:

STORAGE
APPLICATIONS
 • Their high surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, and
the ability to store charge efficiently make them suitable for
8.4. SUPERCAPACITORS supercapacitor electrodes. CQDs can be used to increase the
energy and power density of supercapacitors, resulting in
faster charge/discharge cycles.
 • CQDs have the potential to improve the
performance of lithium-ion batteries. They
can be used as electrode materials or
additives in the electrode to enhance the
8.5. Lithium-Ion battery's capacity and cycling stability. CQDs
Batteries: can also mitigate issues related to the
formation of lithium dendrites, which can
cause short-circuits in lithium-ion batteries.
Carbon Quantum Dot anchored Bismuth Oxide Composites as Potential
Electrodes for Lithium-Ion Battery and Supercapacitor Applications
Sodium-Ion
Batteries:
• In addition to lithium-ion
batteries, CQDs are being
investigated for use in
sodium-ion batteries.
Sodium-ion batteries are
seen as a potential
alternative to lithium-ion
batteries, and CQDs may Emerging Materials for Sodium-Ion Hybrid Capacitors: A Brief
help improve their Review
performance.
• CQDs are a new class of highly attractive durable carbon materials with ultra-thin
dimensions and flexibility, tunable optical properties. CQDs have received
widespread attention due to their potential and versatility and can be applied in
many different fields. One of many is photocatalysis, which has attracted constant
research attention in recent years. The cutting-edge technology uses sustainable
solar energy that is both clean and virtually renewable.
9.ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
• Low toxicity • Lack of raw material
• Environmental sources
friendly • Unknown properties
• Low cost • CQDs with high QYs
are still hard to come
by

Figure 23. Characteristics of the three major quantum dots core types. [29]

First, CQDs with high QYs are still hard to come by. Future research endeavors should concentrate on increasing
the high QY as well as chemical stability and photostability. Second, application-focused research should be at the
same time on improving the quality, selectivity, and robustness of CQDs for energy-driven platforms.[29]
 10. FUTURE
PERSPECTIVE
• Carbon Quantum Dots has excellent potential to
be a key material in energy conversion
applications. The easy tunability of CQDs’
optoelectronic properties is a key to many
application possibilities. However, there is still a
need for more research and understanding of its
characterization. Scientists are yet to link the role
and effect of carbon quantum dots structures to
most of their properties. While many researchers
have researched the unique CQDs’ optical
properties, there is still a need for more inquiries
about the source of Photoluminescence features.
The easy tunability of CQD optoelectronic
properties opens endless possibilities for their
applications. Thus, it is essential to develop new
techniques that can control these properties,
particularly recently discovered, such as
phosphorescence and Up-conversion
photoluminescence (UCPL). [27]
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• [51] Perumal Elumalai - Elektrokimyasal Enerji ve Sensörler Laboratuvarı, Yeşil Enerji Teknolojisi Bölümü, Madanjeet Yeşil Enerji Teknolojileri Okulu, Pondicherry
Üniversitesi, Puducherry 605014, Hindistan

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• [53] The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial assistance of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant number 21206034), the Scientific Research
Foundation committee for the Returned Overseas Chinese Scholars of Heilongjiang Province (grant number LC2016003), Outstanding Youth Science
Foundation Committee of Heilongjiang University (grant number JCL201202), the Nature Science Foundation Committee of Heilongjiang Province(grant number
E201008), Heilongjiang Provincial Natural

• [54] Ranjith Thangavel, Bala Krishnan Ganesan, Vigneysh Thangavel, Won-Sub Yoon, and Yun-Sung Lee*
• [55] The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial assistance of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant number 21206034), the Scientific Research
Foundation committee for the Returned Overseas Chinese Scholars of Heilongjiang Province (grant number LC2016003), Outstanding Youth Science Foundation
Committee of Heilongjiang University (grant number JCL201202), the Nature Science Foundation Committee of Heilongjiang Province(grant number
E201008), Heilongjiang Provincial Natural

• [56] Atika, RK Dutta . Verimli bir Simetrik Süper Kapasitör için Elektrot Olarak Nitrojen Katkılı CD ile Dekore Edilmiş a-Ni(OH)2'nin Sentezlenmesi için Faz
Yönlendirici Ajan olarak Amino Asit Aracılı Yüksek Sıralı Karbon Noktaları. Enerji ve Yakıtlar 2023 , 37 (12), 8637-8649.
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.3c00600
• [57] The author would like to appreciate Shahrood University of Technology and Iran Nanotechnology Initiative Council for financial support of this project.
• [58] Arul Prasath - Elektrokimyasal Enerji ve Sensörler Laboratuvarı, Yeşil Enerji Teknolojisi Bölümü, Madanjeet Yeşil Enerji Teknolojileri Okulu, Pondicherry
Üniversitesi, Puducherry 605014, Hindistan

• [59] Mattath Athika - Elektrokimyasal Enerji ve Sensörler Laboratuvarı, Yeşil Enerji Teknolojisi Bölümü, Madanjeet Yeşil Enerji Teknolojileri Okulu, Pondicherry
Üniversitesi, Puducherry 605014, Hindistan

• [60] Ezhumalai Duraisamy - Elektrokimyasal Enerji ve Sensörler Laboratuvarı, Yeşil Enerji Teknolojisi Bölümü, Madanjeet Yeşil Enerji Teknolojileri Okulu, Pondicherry
Üniversitesi, Puducherry 605014, Hindistan

• [61] Arumugam Selva Sharma - Elektrokimyasal Enerji ve Sensörler Laboratuvarı, Yeşil Enerji Teknolojisi Bölümü, Madanjeet Yeşil Enerji Teknolojileri Okulu,
Pondicherry Üniversitesi, Puducherry 605014, Hindistan ; Orcidhttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-1512-4546

• [62] Vaithiyanathan Sankar Devi - Elektrokimyasal Enerji ve Sensörler Laboratuvarı, Yeşil Enerji Teknolojisi Bölümü, Madanjeet Yeşil Enerji Teknolojileri Okulu,
Pondicherry Üniversitesi, Puducherry 605014, Hindistan