Current advances in quantum dots (QDs) and carbon dots (CDs) as fluorescent probes for corrosion detection and biofouling monitoring

It is evident that in the future, monitoring metallic corrosion and biofouling will need to transition toward in-situ, non-destructive techniques that enable early detection, ideally before these issues arise. This will reduce the need for costly and time-consuming interventions. Quantum dots (QDs) and carbon dots (CDs) have emerged as promising nanosensors in corrosive environments. They are capable of providing real-time monitoring and, in some cases, corrosion inhibition and biofilm imaging, making them ideal candidates for smart anti-corrosion and biofouling monitoring systems. QDs are semiconductor nanocrystals with exceptional photostability and distinct optical and electronic properties, surpassing many organic fluorophores in bioimaging. However, their application in corrosion science remains underexplored. CDs are biocompatible fluorescent nanoparticles with customized optical characteristics and straightforward synthesis procedures. Their tunable surface chemistry and photoluminescence enable applications in integrated systems for monitoring corrosion and biofouling, working through mechanisms such as fluorescence, chemisorption, and physical adsorption. The main corrosion sensing mechanisms of CDs are examined in this review, including fluorescence quenching due to interactions with iron ions under aerobic conditions and moisture. This work highlights the unique advantages of QDs and CDs, providing insights into synthesis methodology and potential sensing capabilities for metallic corrosion, biofouling, and microbially induced corrosion (MIC). Finally, the review concludes by addressing existing challenges and offering future perspectives for the application of these nanomaterials in corrosion science.