Cutting-edge innovations in red carbon dots: Synthesis, perfection, and breakthroughs in optoelectronics and electrocatalysis

Recent years have witnessed the emergence of carbon dots (CDs), luminescent carbon nanomaterials with nano-scale dimensions (less than 10 nm). These materials have garnered significant attention due to their unique microstructure and exceptional optical properties, positioning them as versatile candidates for optoelectronic devices and catalytic applications. Notably, red carbon dots (R-CDs) have emerged as particularly promising, owing to their narrow full width at half maximum, tunable photoluminescence, high specific surface area, remarkable electrical conductivity, and superior photoelectric conversion capability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the synthetic strategies for R-CDs, meticulously examining the advantages and limitations of each approach and the effect of the modulation of the chemical structure of R-CDs on their optical properties. Perfection techniques aimed at enhancing the optical performance of R-CDs are discussed, encompassing size control, surface modification, heteroatom doping, and solvent selection strategies. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on the burgeoning applications of R-CDs in photocatalysis and electrocatalysis, alongside their integration into conventional optoelectronic devices such as white LEDs, and luminescent solar concentrators. Finally, the challenges and prospects of R-CDs are discussed. In essence, this comprehensive review endeavors to furnish recommendations and perspectives conducive to advancing high-performance, next-generation optoelectronic and catalytic materials.