Boron Nitride quantum dots: A rising star in sensing applications

Quantum dots (QDs) of boron nitride, also known as white graphene, are remarkable zero-dimensional substances in the nascent stages of research. Boron nitride quantum dots (BNQDs) are biocompatible in nature and possess unique chemical, optical, electrochemical, and catalytic properties. Due to their excellent properties, these materials are finding enormous applications in fields like sensing, photocatalysis, chemotherapy, bioimaging, and the detection of metal ions. This review gives a detailed account of the recent advancements in the field of BNQDs, with a comprehensive list of references. Herein, we introduce the structural, physical, and chemical properties of BNQDs, followed by an elaborate discussion on the advancements in BNQDs synthesis methods. The review comprises a detailed discussion of the application of BNQDs in the field of sensing, including fluorescent sensors, electrochemiluminescent sensors, thermal sensors, gas sensors, bioimaging, and biosensors. Based on the attention BNQDs are gaining amongst researchers, this review gives the outlook for the synthesis and utilization of BNQDs in sensing applications in the near future.