Carbon Dots for a Greener Future

This volume brings together evidence-based research on carbon dots (CDs). It begins by explaining the fundamentals of CDs, their unique properties and diverse synthesis methods (including hydrothermal, microwave and green routes). Building on these fundamentals, it further delves into eco-friendly synthesis approaches that repurpose agricultural and food waste, underscoring CDs’ sustainability, cost-effectiveness and biocompatibility. Other key aspects covered in the book include how CDs function as nano-sensors to detect contaminants (pesticide residues, heavy metals, pathogens) in food, and as antimicrobial agents and fluorescence-based indicators to extend shelf life through smart packaging. The book includes case studies to demonstrate the practical applications of CDs in hydroponics, aquaponics and floriculture, highlighting both productivity gains and environmental benefits. Lastly, it addresses CDs' applications in environmental remediation, CD-based photocatalysis and adsorption techniques for removing heavy metals, organic pollutants, and pathogens from soil and wastewater.This volume offers a holistic roadmap to harness carbon dot technologies and is a valuable read for researchers, industry professionals and policymakers working in this field.