Zero-dimensional sulfur nanomaterials: Synthesis, modifications and applications

Abstract In recent years, there are ever-increasing scientific researches about zero-dimensional (0D) sulfur nanomaterials, focusing on sulfur nanoparticles, sulfur quantum dots and various nanosulfur-containing functional materials. After surface modifications and further modifications with different components, the products exhibit multiple structures, excellent functions and promising applications. This present review systematically summarizes various synthetic methods, modification strategies and versatile applications of 0D sulfur nanomaterials. The first section introduces various synthetic methods, including hydrothermal, solvothermal, green synthesis, microemulsion, electrochemical, mechanochemical synthesis, chemical vapor deposition and the synthesis on various substrates. The second section highlights different modification strategies, mainly involving surface modifications, composite systems, core/shell structures, porous structures, thin films, nanohybrids and assembly systems. The third section discusses versatile application fields, referring to energy storage and conversion, photo/electro-catalysis, optical and electrochemical sensing, bio-imaging, biomedicine therapy, antifungal and antibacterial activities, separation and preconcentration, positive effects on plant growth. Meanwhile, this review rationally comments the current advances, challenges and perspectives in forthcoming studies through discussing state-of-the-art related studies on 0D sulfur nanomaterials. Considering rapid development in the promising research direction and the lack of an all-around review currently, this opportune and comprehensive review is attractive for researchers in multiple scientific disciplines, including chemistry, material science, engineering, biology and medicine. This review will promote the development of 0D nanomaterials and the rational exploration of new low-dimensional functional nanomaterials and derivatives toward promising applications.