Carbon dots-based photocatalyst: Synthesis, characteristic attributes, mechanisms, and applications

Carbon dots (CDs) have gained great research interest due to their unique properties including their easy surface functionalization, low-cost synthesis, visible light absorption, and upconversion properties. Thus, the research community has explored their potential in photocatalysis, in which CDs have exhibited outstanding performance. Overall, CDs are able to enhance the absorption of visible light, improve electron transfer, and efficiently separate electron-hole to avoid recombination. In this chapter, the role of CDs in photocatalytic systems is analyzed in detail, as well as the factors that might interfere with their performance. Moreover, the most recent photocatalytic applications of CDs in the degradation of pollutants are summarized. Finally, we describe the current challenges and recommendations for future research to achieve their application in real scenarios. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.