Carbon quantum dots (CQDs), emerging as promising zero-dimensional nanomaterials, have superior properties like tunable photoluminescence, effective electron transfer, and significant environmental stability, making them well-suited for advanced photocatalytic applications. This chapter discusses the integration of quantum catalysts, specifically CQDs doped with modified ferrate compounds, to improve their photocatalytic activity. Ferrate-doped CQDs have better charge carrier separation, improved surface activity, and improved redox potential, which are crucial for the efficient degradation of toxic pollutants under visible light. Hybrid materials exploit the dual benefits of CQDs’ photoluminescent nature and ferrate’s high oxidizing power to drive the breakdown of industrial dyes and other recalcitrant organic pollutants. Recent developments in CQD synthesis have involved precise control of size, morphology, and doping, which has enhanced catalytic performance in various environmental and energy applications. Metal-doped CQDs show significant enhancement in suppressing electron–hole recombination and broadening light absorption, making them effective in processes like CO2 photoreduction, hydrogen generation through water splitting, green ammonia production, and degradation of organic pollutants. These nanomaterials also show low toxicity, improved electron mobility, and the ability to function effectively in complex wastewater systems. Experimental studies show that ferrate-doped CQDs show high photocatalytic degradation rates of pollutants like methyl orange dye, with good stability and reusability in multiple cycles with minimal loss in performance. Scalable synthesis routes like hydrothermal, solvothermal, and chemical oxidation techniques make the cost-effective production of the material feasible for large-scale environmental applications. This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of synthesis methods, material properties, and catalytic mechanisms of CQD-based and metal-doped photocatalysts. It also discusses sophisticated heterostructure designs like Z-scheme systems, which further optimize light harvesting and charge transport. The possibility of using these nanomaterials to address worldwide issues of water contamination, energy shortages, and environmental sustainability is emphasized. Finally, avenues of future research and approaches for maximizing stability, reaction rates, and scalability are suggested to overcome current constraints.

Quantum-Catalyst Application in Efficient Photocatalyst Carbon Quantum Dots

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发表日期：

2026年

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Ayesha Fatima,
Mohd Azfar Shaida

摘要

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs), emerging as promising zero-dimensional nanomaterials, have superior properties like tunable photoluminescence, effective electron transfer, and significant environmental stability, making them well-suited for advanced photocatalytic applications. This chapter discusses the integration of quantum catalysts, specifically CQDs doped with modified ferrate compounds, to improve their photocatalytic activity. Ferrate-doped CQDs have better charge carrier separation, improved surface activity, and improved redox potential, which are crucial for the efficient degradation of toxic pollutants under visible light. Hybrid materials exploit the dual benefits of CQDs’ photoluminescent nature and ferrate’s high oxidizing power to drive the breakdown of industrial dyes and other recalcitrant organic pollutants. Recent developments in CQD synthesis have involved precise control of size, morphology, and doping, which has enhanced catalytic performance in various environmental and energy applications. Metal-doped CQDs show significant enhancement in suppressing electron–hole recombination and broadening light absorption, making them effective in processes like CO2 photoreduction, hydrogen generation through water splitting, green ammonia production, and degradation of organic pollutants. These nanomaterials also show low toxicity, improved electron mobility, and the ability to function effectively in complex wastewater systems. Experimental studies show that ferrate-doped CQDs show high photocatalytic degradation rates of pollutants like methyl orange dye, with good stability and reusability in multiple cycles with minimal loss in performance. Scalable synthesis routes like hydrothermal, solvothermal, and chemical oxidation techniques make the cost-effective production of the material feasible for large-scale environmental applications. This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of synthesis methods, material properties, and catalytic mechanisms of CQD-based and metal-doped photocatalysts. It also discusses sophisticated heterostructure designs like Z-scheme systems, which further optimize light harvesting and charge transport. The possibility of using these nanomaterials to address worldwide issues of water contamination, energy shortages, and environmental sustainability is emphasized. Finally, avenues of future research and approaches for maximizing stability, reaction rates, and scalability are suggested to overcome current constraints.