Preparation and Applications of Carbon-Based Fluorescent Nanothermometers

In recent years, carbon-based fluorescent nanomaterials have been developed rapidly in biology and biomedicine due to their high optical absorptivity, adjustable fluorescent emission, chemical stability, well biocompatibility, and low toxicity. Their applications in temperature sensing have become one of the research hotspots. In this review, the authors summarize and sort out the carbon-based fluorescent nanothermometers in the following work: 1) the types and temperature-response mechanism of carbon-based fluorescent nanomaterials are discussed; 2) the preparation methods of colorimetric fluorescent carbon-based thermometers are introduced; 3) the applications of single/double emission carbon-based fluorescent nanothermometers have been focused on. Finally, the authors give their own views on the future development direction of carbon-based fluorescent nanothermometers. This review can provide guidance for the design and application of novel carbon-based fluorescent nanothermometers.