Fluorescent sulfur quantum dots for environmental monitoring

Abstract The importance of environmental monitoring is on the rise, driven by the increased pressure on the natural environment during the age of urbanization and industrialization. To address this demand, it is necessary to have fast and dependable probes for real-time monitoring with precision and sensitivity. Analytical probes utilizing sulfur nanoparticles offer a modern alternative, exhibiting the ability to identify a range of environmental analytes. The discovery of zero-dimensional quantum dots, such as sulfur quantum dots (SQDs), with unique properties, including optical characteristics, high hydrophilicity, low toxicity, and cost-effectiveness, has positioned SQDs as advancing luminescent nanomaterials. SQDs hold great potential for fluorescence sensing, making them promising candidates for environmental monitoring. This article reviews recent studies on the synthesis of SQDs using various methods and highlights their applications as sensing materials for detecting heavy metal ions and other hazardous molecules. The article provides valuable insights into the production of high-quality SQDs tailored for environmental applications, offering guidance to researchers aiming to enhance sensing technologies for environmental monitoring and contamination detection.