Functionalized carbon dots for advanced batteries

Carbon dots are a new class of carbon materials with ultrasmall size and unique physicochemical property. They have been widely studied since their discovery and have been gradually applied in various fields due to their quantum size, abundant surface functional groups, great biocompatibility, non-toxicity and photoluminescence characteristics. Recently, applications of carbon dots in the new generation batteries have also shown great potential. This review systematically summarized the research status of carbon dots in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), potassium ion batteries (PIBs), lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs), etc., and discussed the applications of carbon dots in electrode materials, separator and electrolyte of advanced batteries in detail. Moreover, we also analyzed the challenges and development directions of carbon dots in batteries. This review aims to provide guidance and reference for the design and manufacture of the next generation of high-performance batteries.