Photoluminescent C-dots: An overview on the recent development in the synthesis, physiochemical properties and potential applications

Among various well known forms of carbon, carbon dots (C-dots) comprise a new class of multicolor luminescent carbon nanoparticles. These are quite attractive because of their benevolent, abundant and inexpensive nature. C-dots have received a lot of attention in comparison with other heavy metal based semiconductor quantum dots due to their exceptional photoluminescence behavior, small size, excellent photo stability to photo bleaching and blinking, nontoxic nature and outstanding biocompatibility. These unique characteristics make them fascinating aspirants for an entire spectrum of advanced applications such as bio labeling and bioimaging, fluorescence, photocatalysis and environmental restoration. Considering the high relevance and potential of C-dots, these have been acclaimed to overcome the era of heavy metal based quantum dots, it becomes important to study their fabrication methods, physiochemical properties and applications in various fields. This review highlights various approaches for fabrication of the C-dots, their properties and potential applications in bioimaging, sensing and photocatalysis, focusing on promising and encouraging future directions in the research field. •Acknowledgement of importance of photoluminescent C-dots.•Detailed description of various synthesis techniques and properties.•Discussion of numerous analytical, bioanalytical and environmental remediation applications.•Focus on the development of research in recent years.•Attention on upcoming challenges and future perspectives.