Chapter 4 - Synthesis of carbon dots from biomass resources

Abstract

Emerging as an important member of the carbon family, carbon dots (CDs), defined as zero-dimensional luminescent nanoparticles are considered as an alternative to traditional quantum dots and fluorescent dyes due to their unique properties which give them a broad range of applications. Amid various carbon sources, biomass-based sources have come to the fore as appropriate precursors for heteroatom-doped and bio-inspired CDs synthesis owing to their green, abundant, cheap, renewable, biocompatible, and environmentally friendly properties. Moreover, multifunctional CDs can easily be fabricated from biomass with desired features due to their different functional groups having therapeutic and biorecognition properties. Furthermore, the synthesis of CDs from biomass waste provides the conversion of low-value/worthless biomass into valuable nanoparticles along with environmental protection. Biomass-derived CDs are produced via a bottom-up approach including hydrothermal synthesis, microwave-assisted synthesis, pyrolysis, chemical oxidation, ultrasonic-assisted synthesis, and template method. Herein, we reviewed synthesis routes of biomass-derived CDs and biomass sources by discussing their advantages/disadvantages and future aspects.