Recent advances in the synthesis of carbon dots from renewable biomass by high-efficient hydrothermal and microwave green approaches

Carbon dots (CDs), a class of novel zero-dimensional nanomaterials, have recently emerged as excellent candidates for versatile applications in several fields due to their superior properties such as excellent photostability and biocompatibility, low cytotoxicity, small size, fluorescence, and ease of surface modification. The use of a more environmentally friendly source to produce high-quality CDs remains a crucial issue to be addressed. “Green” CDs have attracted a lot of attention recently and renewable biomass, especially waste biomass, is a good choice for large-scale CDs synthesis because it not only promotes outstanding properties, has excellent properties but also provides a green solution to balance waste management goals with those of the circular economy. Here, we highlight recent advances in green synthesis and formation mechanism of CDs from biomass, focusing on innovative one-pot hydrothermal and microwave processes.