The
emergence of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) opens up new opportunities
in different branches of science and technology primarily because
of their conducive biocompatibility, tunable bandgaps, and unique
optoelectronic properties, namely, photoluminescence (PL) and fluorescence.
Although CQDs are given precedence in the literature, the large-scale
sustainable synthesis and the purification of CQDs as well as the
study of their effects on health and environment remain a challenge.
Hence, more sustainable approaches are being developed to make this
category of materials widely applicable, specifically in the context
of replacing toxic metal-based QDs. Among the reported synthetic protocols
employed to prepare CQDs while controlling their properties, the incorporation
of various dopants, surface functionalities, and defects into CQDs
offers great promises. Amongst the possibilities, nitrogen dopants
contribute significantly due to their broader precursor scope, natural
abundance in sustainable bioderived resources, and relatively straightforward
and inexpensive synthetic protocols, leading to assorted combinations
of nitrogen (N)-doped carbon quantum dots (NCQDs). Here, a brief survey
is presented on the recent developments of strategies deployed for
the preparation of bioderived NCQDs, emphasizing the uniqueness of
the synthetic methodology, choice of precursors, and purification
strategies. In addition, characterization, properties, and applications
of the selected NCQDs are highlighted. The present status and challenges
are also discussed along with the future directions.