Recent Advance in Carbon Dots: From Properties to Applications

Abstract As a new type of nanomaterial, carbon dots (CDs) have been recognized as a versatile nanoplatform with enormous potential for biomedical and optoelectronic applications because of low cytotoxicity, photostability, biocompatibility and versatility in addition to their tunable photoluminescence. In this review, we aim at updating the latest research on preparation, optoelectronic and chemical properties of CDs as well as their biomedical and optoelectronic applications. We highlight the applications of CDs for stem cell imaging, cell nucleus imaging, two‐photon fluorescence imaging, tumor diagnosis and therapy and their optoelectronic applications including light‐emitting diodes (LEDs), solar cells and electrocatalysis. Furthermore, we also discuss current challenges and breakthroughs on machine‐learning‐driven synthesis of CDs as well as nucleic acid detection with an eye towards the future. Finally, we hope that this review will give further impulses to target‐oriented research on CDs for biomedical and optoelectronic applications.