Fluorescent carbon dots and their sensing applications

Publication date: Available online 13 February 2017
Source:TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry
Author(s): Xiangcheng Sun, Yu Lei
Fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) are a new class of carbon nanomaterials and have demonstrated excellent optical properties, good biocompatibility, great aqueous solubility, low cost, simple synthesis, etc. Since their discovery, various synthesis methods using different precursors were developed, which were mainly classified as top-down and bottom-up approaches. CDs have presented many applications, and this review article mainly focuses on the development of CDs based fluorescent sensors in recent 5 years. The sensing mechanisms, senor design and sensing properties to various targets are summarized. A broad range of analytes including cations, anions, small molecules, macromolecules, cells and bacteria have been discussed. In addition, the challenges and future directions for CDs as sensing materials are also presented.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2kLE7Ga