“…Carbon quantum dots, or carbon dots (CDs), are typically zero-dimension nanomaterials with diameters r10 nm. 1 Among various kinds of nanoparticle materials, 2,3 CDs comprise sp 2 and sp 3 hybridized carbon with different surface functionalities. 4,5 They exhibit unique electronic, optical, chemical properties, low toxicity, ease of surface modification and well-established biocompatibility, making them promising applied nanomaterials for various applications, especially in the biomedical and bioimaging domains.…”