Vatsal Jhaveri,
Aashi Chauhan,
Indra Neel Pulidindi,
- Chemical Engineer, Ammonium sulphate Plant, Gujarat State Fertilizer Company Ltd., Vadodara, Gujrat, India
- Student, School of Science, G S F C University, Vadodara, Gujrat, India
- Assistant Professor, Department of ENT, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital (SMCH), Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Thandalam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract
Heteroatom‑functionalized carbon dots (H‑CDs) have emerged as a class of zero‑dimensional carbon nanomaterials offering tunable optical, electronic, and catalytic properties through controlled nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium doping. This review highlights the chemistry and chemical‑technology dimensions of N‑, P‑, and K‑doped carbon dots (N‑CDs, P‑CDs, K‑CDs), focusing on their synthesis strategies, surface functionalization, and structure–property relationships. Conventional routes such as microwave‑assisted pyrolysis, hydrothermal carbonization, and one‑pot solvothermal methods are discussed, with particular attention to precursor selection, reaction conditions, and the resulting nanoscale morphology and surface terminations. The incorporation of heteroatoms modifies the electronic density, surface charge, and fluorescence behavior of CDs, enabling their use in sensing, catalysis, and delivery systems. In parallel, these features open opportunities for agricultural applications, especially in nutrient‑efficient soil‑fertility management. The article critically evaluates reported effects of N‑ and P‑CDs on seed germination, root growth, biomass accumulation, and chlorophyll content, emphasizing dose‑dependent responses and mechanistic insights at the nanomaterial–plant interface. By contrast, K‑CDs remain underexplored, and their potential as K‑rich nanofertilizers derived from potash‑rich biomass waste is presented as a forward‑looking prospect. The review also addresses key challenges related to reproducibility, characterization standardization, and scalability of heteroatom‑doped CDs, underscoring the need for cross‑disciplinary collaboration between materials chemists, agronomists, and environmental scientists. By integrating fundamental chemistry with applied chemical‑technology perspectives, this work aims to stimulate further research on heteroatom‑doped carbon dots as functional materials for sustainable soil‑fertility enhancement.
Keywords: Heteroatom doped carbon dots, nitrogen doped carbon dots (N CDs), phosphorus doped carbon dots (P CDs), potassium enriched carbon nanomaterials (K-CDs), soil fertility enhancement using nanomaterials, chemistry based nanofertilizers
[This article belongs to Journal of Modern Chemistry & Chemical Technology ]
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Journal of Modern Chemistry & Chemical Technology
| Volume | 17 | |
| Issue | 02 | |
| Received | 16/05/2026 | |
| Accepted | 29/05/2026 | |
| Published | 19/06/2026 | |
| Publication Time | 34 Days |