Zero-dimensional luminescent carbon dots as fascinating analytical tools for the treatment of pharmaceutical based contaminants in aqueous media

Carbon dots (CDs), a fascinating category of nanomaterials, have sparked into an intense area of research among researchers, particularly in the diverse applications of environmental remediation ascribed to their inimitable features, including excellent biocompatibility, photostability, physicochemical attributes, and low toxicity. Herein, we have reviewed the most recent research on the environmental implications of pharmaceutical contaminants, conventional treatment techniques, and the application of CDs for the extraction and degradation of pharmaceutics in wastewater. Beyond presenting these features, the photocatalytic applications of CDs for the decomposition of pharmaceutical pollutants, along with pertinent structures and their probable effects on photocatalytic activity, have also been the topic of discussion in this review. Finally, challenges, future prospects, and typical limitations of CD technologies are addressed along with potential future directions for environmental remediation. Consequently, this study offers a succinct overview of the most recent advancements and difficulties in the field of CDs, particularly for researchers working on the degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants.