<p style="text-align:justify">Quantum dots (QDs) are incredibly important in nanotechnology due to their unique, size-tunable optical and electronic properties arising from quantum confinement. Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) are carbon-based nanomaterials under 10 nm known for their unique photoluminescent properties and biocompatibility. They exhibit tunable fluorescence due to quantum confinement, making them suitable for diverse applications.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">This book introduces CQDs, discusses their structural features and synthesis methods, including ecofriendly approaches, and highlights their advantages over traditional quantum dots in terms of safety. Top-down approaches include techniques like laser ablation, arc discharge, and electrochemical oxidation, which break down larger carbon structures into quantum dots. Bottom-up methods, such as hydrothermal synthesis, microwave-assisted synthesis, and thermal decomposition, involve the assembly of smaller molecules into CQDs under controlled conditions. Despite their numerous advantages, concerns regarding the safety and environmental impact of the synthesis methods have emerged. These concerns include the use of hazardous chemicals, high-energy processes, and the generation of waste during production.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">This book helps to explore the various synthesis methods of CQDs and evaluate their sustainability, toxicity, and efficiency. Key applications include bioimaging, drug delivery, sensing, photovoltaics, Quantum computing and light-emitting devices, Security and Anti-Counterfeiting. In essence, carbon quantum dots bridge the gap between bulk materials and individual atoms, offering a unique set of properties that can be precisely engineered at the nanoscale. This tunability and their superior optical and electronic characteristics make them a powerful tool driving innovation across numerous areas of nanotechnology.</p>

Dr Neeta Shivakumar is presently working as Associate Professor in the Department of Biotechnology, RV college of Engineering, Bengaluru, 560059, India. Her Academic Qualification includes: B.Sc.-in Agriculture, M.Sc., in Horticulture, Ph.D. in Biotechnology and PG Diploma in Nanotechnology. Her 21 years of experience includes Teaching and Research with expertise in Nanotechnology and Agriculture Biotechnology. She has been working on biomaterials such as Nanosilver, Nanochitosan and Quantum dots and their applications in Biosensors, Agriculture and food packaging. She has an Indian patent granted to her credit on "Bioactive Thin Films for Food Packaging" and has many research papers and Book chapters on food packaging to her credit. She has also attended many National and International Conferences. She has guided more than 50 UG and PG students. She is also guiding 2 PhD students.

<p>Chapter 1. Introduction to Carbon Quantum Dots</p> <p>Chapter 2. Basic structure and properties of Carbon Quantum Dots</p> <p>Chapter 3. Synthesis Methods of Carbon Quantum Dots</p> <p>Chapter 4. Characterization Techniques</p> <p>Chapter 5. Overview on Applications of Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs)</p> <p>Chapter 6. Carbon Quantum Dot: As a Photosynthetic Enhancer for Sustainable Agriculture</p> <p>Chapter 7<strong>.</strong> Tuning the Surface: Functionalization and Doping Approaches in Carbon Quantum Dots</p> <p>Chapter 8. Challenges and Limitations</p> <p>Chapter 9. Future Perspectives and Trends</p>