The Classification of Carbon Dots and the Relationship between Synthesis Methods and Properties

Comprehensive Summary The carbon dots (CDs), as emerging carbon based nanomaterials, are a kind of fluorescent materials with wide application prospects. Highly luminous CDs can simply be synthesized by a wide variety of easily accessible precursors. CDs have excellent optical properties, high biocompatibility and low toxicity, which makes them be used in the fields of optics, biology, energy, and so on. In this review, the classification, nomenclature, photoluminescence mechanism and property regulation of CDs are reviewed. Finally, the future research interests and potential challenges of CDs are prospected.