Preparation, environmental applications, and biotoxicity studies of carbon quantum dots
SHENG You-ying1, WANG He-fei1,2, SU Yan3, SHEN Ke1, HU Xiao-jie1, GAO Yan-zheng1
1. College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; 2. Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; 3. Shenyang Academy of Environmental Science, Shenyang 110167, China
Abstract：This article provided a comprehensive review on the preparation methods, environmental applications, and risks associated with carbon quantum dots (CQDs). The preparation methods of CQDs, including the “top-down” and “bottom-up” approaches, and the advantages and disadvantages of different methods were discussed. CQDs usually had one or more absorption peaks in the ultraviolet region of 200 to 400nm, and have photoluminescence effects in the visible blue and green regions. They were used to detect Cu2+, Hg2+, Cr3+, Mn2+ and other (heavy) metal ions, organic pollutants like aromatic compounds and tetracycline, and nitrite and other salts with high sensitivity. Additionally, CQDs were the highly reactive photocatalysts for photocatalytic degradation of the pollutants, such as phenol, rhodamine B. Toxicity of CQDs was lower than that of most metal-based quantum dots, and overproduction of reactive oxygen species induced by CQDs in organisms is the main toxic mechanism. These results may serve as a basis for the accurate understanding and assessment of the environmental risks associated with CQDs, and provide technical support for the development of rational strategies for the preparation and recycling of CQDs.
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