Applications of carbon quantum dots in electrochemiluminescence: A mini review

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) related electrochemiluminescence (ECL) research from 2009 to July 2014 is reviewed. The synthesis, surface states, applications and corresponding reaction mechanism of CQDs containing carbon nanodots and graphene quantum dots in ECL studies are comprehensively summarized. Consequently, their research vacancies and the development prospects of these fields are discussed.