Synthesis, properties, and utilization of carbon quantum dots as photocatalysts on degradation of organic dyes: A mini review

Abstract

This review highlights Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) as promising photocatalysts for breaking down organic pollutants, particularly in advancing CQDs-based systems for degrading organic dyes. CQDs, used alone or combined with semiconductors, enhance performance. In scenarios with narrow bandgaps, CQDs assist in separating charges, whereas in wider bandgaps, they enable visible/NIR activity through up-conversion luminescence. When integrated into Z-scheme heterostructures, CQDs reduce recombination by facilitating electron transfer. Synthesis methods—both top-down and bottom-up—are explored along with crucial physicochemical properties. Furthermore, modifying CQDs through doping and integrating functional groups on their surface adjusts their characteristics, promising more effective CQDs-modified photocatalysts in future research.