Carbon dots (CDs) are a fascinating class of nanomaterials with a straightforward design by means of an organic chemistry toolbox and an unsurmountable potential in the field of artificial photosynthesis. The vast structural diversity of CDs and the complex photo-physics thereof impose, however, significant challenges on their full utilization. Gathering a profound understanding of the structure-activity relationship and precise identification of the photo-catalytically active sites within CDs is crucial. This review summarizes the current understanding of photo-catalytically active CD-based systems. First, we analyze the structural complexity of CDs in the context of hydrogen photo-production, addressing the different roles of CDs in photo-catalytic hydrogen evolution as photosensitizers, co-catalysts, and catalysts. Second, we present the most important aspects to be considered for the design of CDs-based photo-catalysts, focusing on the fine-tuning of optical properties and charge management and discussing the timescales of events in the photo-excited state. Both experimental and theoretical methods relevant to studying structurally complex CDs are outlined. Finally, we share our thoughts on the future opportunities in CD-based photo-catalysis.

中文翻译：

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设计碳点以增强光催化：挑战和机遇


碳点（CD）是一类令人着迷的纳米材料，通过有机化学工具箱进行简单的设计，并且在人工光合作用领域具有不可逾越的潜力。然而，CD 的巨大结构多样性及其复杂的光物理学给它们的充分利用带来了重大挑战。深入了解结构-活性关系并精确识别碳点内的光催化活性位点至关重要。本综述总结了目前对光催化活性 CD 系统的理解。首先，我们分析了光产氢背景下碳点的结构复杂性，解决碳点在光催化析氢中作为光敏剂、助催化剂和催化剂的不同作用。其次，我们提出了基于碳点的光催化剂设计时需要考虑的最重要的方面，重点是光学特性和电荷管理的微调，并讨论光激发状态下事件的时间尺度。概述了与研究结构复杂 CD 相关的实验和理论方法。最后，我们分享了对 CD 光催化未来机遇的看法。