Fluorescent nanoparticles have received intense scientific attention and offer promising applications in many fields from optoelectronic devices to cancer treatment. The development of robust mass-scale nanoparticle synthesis methods is one of key materials challenges in moving towards fluorescent nanoparticles for commercialization and advanced applications. In this talk, I will summarize our work on green and scalable synthesis of fluorescent nanoparticles for multifunctional applications, including biomass-derived carbon dots for sensing and bioimaging, subcritical water nanonization of organic compounds for diagnosis and therapy, preparation of lanthanide-doped inorganic nanoparticles by high gravity method for transparent, flexible and luminescent composite films. A brief overview of this exciting field, along with some challenges and opportunities, will also be presented.
