Functionalization of Carbon Dots and Their Catalytic Applications

Abstract

Carbon dots (CDs), a new type of luminescent zero-dimensional carbon nanomaterial, have been used in a wide range of applications. The functionalization of CDs including heteroatom doping and surface modification is a very useful method for effectively tuning their intrinsic structure and surface state. Heteroatom doping in CDs can be used to tune their intrinsic properties, and has received significant research interest because of its simplicity. Surface modification can be used to change the active sites and functional groups on the surface of CDs, endowing the CDs with unique properties due to functional ligands. Because of their good conductivity and rapid electron transfer properties, CDs can be used as highly efficient catalysts in various catalytical applications, including photocatalysis, peroxidase-like catalysis, electrocatalysis, Fenton-like catalysis, and chemical catalysis. This chapter is intended to assist researchers in understanding the impact of functionalization on the intrinsic structure and optical properties of CDs, to provide useful information on methods for controlling CDs’ properties, as well as to introduce excellent catalytical applications of CDs.