Recent advancements in carbon quantum dots and polymer composites: emerging applications and future perspectives

Abstract

This critical review provides a concise summary of the growing interest in carbon quantum dot (CQD)–polymer composites, highlighting their synthesis methods and synergistic properties and emphasising emerging applications, recent advancements and future prospects. Efforts have been made to provide an in-depth introduction to CQDs, their classification, various sustainable synthesis methodologies of CQDs, the main functional characteristics of CQDs and techniques to impregnate CQDs inside polymer matrices. Further, the combination of nanoscale CQDs inside the polymer matrix creates a unique array of properties, including tunable photoluminescence, biocompatibility and electrical properties. These tunable properties make CQD–polymer composites potential materials for exploring cutting-edge applications in vibrant domains such as sensing, energy conversion, energy storage, biomedicine, environmental remediation, anti-corrosion, and flame-retardants. The critical review includes current challenges and future potential research directions to inspire researchers to investigate new avenues in the field of CQD–polymer composite materials. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2026