Carbon Dots as New Building Blocks for Electrochemical Energy Storage and Electrocatalysis

Abstract

In recent years, research into the synthesis and applications of 0D carbon dots (CDs) has blossomed into a vibrant and exciting new research field. CDs possess diverse and fascinating chemical, structural, and optical characteristics, which can be exploited in both fundamental research and applied areas. In particular, their superior electrochemical activity and ease‐of‐modification make CDs very promising electrode materials in electrocatalysis and electrical energy storage. This review seeks to provide an overview of the latest ground‐breaking research relating to the utilization of CDs in electrochemical processes and energy storage, thus providing a timely snapshot of recent advancements in this area. To begin, advances in CDs synthesis methods, CDs structural characteristics, and CDs modification/functionalization strategies are explored, with a view toward structure‐property relationships. Next, the performance of CDs in various electrochemical energy‐related applications are summarized, including H2 evolution, O2 evolution/reduction, CO2 reduction, batteries and supercapacitors. Finally, the future challenges and opportunities for CDs‐based energy materials and devices are surveyed.

Cross‐linking enhanced room‐temperature phosphorescence of carbon dots

“…Carbon dots (CDs), as emerging luminescent nanomaterial, are now widely applied in biological, [18][19][20] optoelectronic, [21][22][23] and energy-related fields, [24][25][26] owing to their impressive optical properties, small size, low toxicity, easy preparation, and biocompatibility. [27][28][29] At present, most reported studies on the optical properties of CDs focus on fluorescence (FL).…”

Carbon Dots in Bioimaging, Biosensing and Therapeutics: A Comprehensive Review

“…[ 7–9 ] Not surprisingly, CDs are finding increasing utilization in the fabrication of electronics, energy conversion devices and sensors. [ 10–12 ] In addition, due to their unique chemical, physical and optical properties, CDs and CDs‐based nanomaterials hold the greatest promise for implementation in a wide array of biological and biomedical applications, especially imaging and therapeutics.…”

“…[7][8][9] Not surprisingly, CDs are finding increasing utilization in the fabrication of electronics, energy conversion devices and sensors. [10][11][12] In addition, due to their unique chemical, physical and optical properties, CDs and CDs-based nanomaterials hold the greatest promise for implementation in a wide array of biological and biomedical applications, especially imaging and therapeutics. The past decade has seen a proliferation in the biological and biomedical applications using CDs, owing to small size (1-10 nm), unique optical properties, easy functionalization, and biocompatibility.…”

Electron–phonon coupling-assisted universal red luminescence of o-phenylenediamine-based carbon dots

“…At present, various precursors have been employed to synthesize high-performance CDs 4 – 6 , such as the cross-linking/polymerization of biomass, polymers, and organic molecules 7 , 8 . Among them, o-phenylenediamine (oPD) is one of the most important precursors to CDs due to its self-doping (i.e., N doping) behavior and low cost.…”