Recent research progress in CDs@MOFs composites: fabrication, property modulation, and application

Carbon dots (CDs) have exhibited a promising application prospect in many fields because of their good fluorescence properties, biocompatibility, low toxicity, and easy functionalization. In order to improve their photoelectricity and stability, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) can be used as host materials to provide ideal carriers for CDs to realize the multifunctional composites of CDs and MOFs (CDs@MOFs). At present, CDs@MOFs composites have shown tremendous application potential because they have various advantages of both CDs and MOFs. In this review, the synthesis methods of CDs@MOFs composites are firstly introduced. Then, the influence of the synergy between CDs and MOFs on the regulation of their structures and optical properties is highlighted. Furthermore, the recent application researches of CDs@MOFs composites in fluorescent probes, solid-state lighting, and photoelectrocatalysis are generalized. Finally, the critical issues, challenges, and solutions on their structure and property regulation and application are put forward, and their commercialization direction is also prospected. Graphical Abstract