Developing Quantum Dots for new generation of water purification technologies, a mini Review

Quantum dots (QDs) have attracted increasing attention as advanced nanomaterials for water purification due to their unique optical, electronic, and surface properties. This study investigates the effects of QDs on the removal of chemical and biological contaminants from aqueous systems, with a focus on their photocatalytic activity, adsorption behavior, and antimicrobial performance. Owing to their tunable bandgap and high surface reactivity, QDs can generate reactive oxygen species under light irradiation, enabling the efficient degradation of persistent organic pollutants such as dyes, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. Additionally, the large surface area and modifiable functional groups of QDs enhance their capacity to bind and sequester heavy metal ions. Emerging evidence also indicates that certain QDs exhibit intrinsic antimicrobial activity, contributing further to water disinfection processes. This article evaluates recent advances in both metal-based and carbon-based QDs, highlighting improvements in efficiency, stability, and environmental compatibility. Particular attention is given to the development of non-toxic, metal-free QDs, which address concerns regarding the potential release of hazardous ions during treatment. The findings underscore the considerable potential of QDs as multifunctional agents in next-generation water purification technologies while emphasizing the need for continued research on their long-term environmental fate, safe integration into treatment systems, and scalability.

کلیدواژه ها:

Quantum dots ، Water purification ، Graphene GQDs ، Carbon Nano-dots