Properties and applications of quantum dots derived from two-dimensional materials

ABSTRACT Quantum dots based on two-dimensional materials (2D-QDs) have received significant attention due to their exceptional physical, chemical, and biological properties. They have shown unprecedented performance and efficiency in many fields including electronics, spintronics, energy, water treatment, sensors, and biological applications. This article provides a critical review on the recent progress of 2D-DQs, their synthesis approaches, categories, properties, and applications. The review introduces various types of 2D-QDs, such as graphene, hBN, silicene, phosphorene, transition metal dichalcogenides, and MXenes that show a wide range of properties applicable for different fields. We describe in detail the electronic, magnetic, optical, catalytic, and biological properties of 2D-QDs and relate them to the suitable applications. Future directions for the research in 2D-QDs are given based on the novel properties provided by the newly discovered 2D materials and their heterostructures. Graphical Abstract