In situ formed nanomaterials for colorimetric and fluorescent sensing

The past decades have witnessed significant advances in nanoscience and technology, especially in the variety of colorimetric and fluorescent nanosensors. Among these nanosensors, colorimetric and fluorescent nanosensors based on in situ formed nanomaterials have attracted much attention due to their ease of operation and high sensitivity. This review focuses on the significant achievements of the past ten years in colorimetric and fluorescent nanosensors by utilizing in situ produced nanomaterials, including gold nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, CdS quantum dots, fluorescent silver nanoparticles, fluorescent copper nanoparticles, carbon quantum dots, fluorescent silicon nanoparticles and fluorescent cadmium nanoclusters. At the end of the review, the challenges and future directions are presented.