Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are promising carbonaceous nanomaterials fortuitously discovered in 2004. CQDs are the rising stars in the nanotechnology ensemble because of their unique properties and widespread applications in sensing, imaging, medicine, catalysis, and optoelectronics. CQDs are notable for their excellent solubility and effective luminescence and, as a result, they are also known as carbon nanolights. Many strategies are used for the efficient and economical preparation of CQDs; however, CQDs prepared from waste or green sustainable methods have greater requirements due to their safety and ease of synthesis. Sustainable chemical strategies for CQDs have been developed, emphasizing green synthetic methodologies based on 'top-down' and 'bottom-up' approaches. This review summarizes many such studies relevant to the development of sustainable methods for photoluminescent CQDs. Furthermore, we have emphasized recent advances in CQDs' photoluminescence applications in chemical and biological fields. Finally, a brief overview of synthetic processes using the green source and their associated applications are tabulated, providing a clear understanding of the new optoelectronic materials.
Keywords: applications of CQDs; carbon quantum dots; carbon-based nanomaterials; green synthesis; nanohybrids; natural waste.
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