Shining Light on Carbon Dots: New Opportunities in Photocatalysis

Abstract

AbstractPhotocatalysis is an emerging field that exploits light‐absorbing catalysts to yield transformations not even achievable in the dark. Considering the drawbacks of metal‐based photocatalysts, Carbon Dots (CDs) recently emerged as suitable green alternatives for different photocatalytic reactions. These carbon nanoparticles are easy to prepare, non‐toxic and potentially recyclable. Moreover, CDs usually display core‐shell structures which are highly tunable via synthetic and post‐synthetic strategies. This Concept Article focuses on the recent advancements in the CD‐based photocatalysis, highlighting the link between their superficial and core composition and their resulting photo‐redox abilities, and giving future perspectives on their application in cutting‐edge areas.