Carbon Nanomaterials for Enhanced Plant Photosynthesis

Carbon-based nanomaterials, particularly carbon dots, graphene derivatives and nanotubes, have emerged as versatile tools to augment plant photosynthesis. These nanoscale materials possess unique photophysical properties including tunable absorption, fluorescence and high photostability, enabling them to act as artificial light‐harvesting antennas or internal electron donors. Modes of action include wavelength conversion—transforming underutilised ultraviolet or green light into red and blue photons readily absorbed by chlorophyll—accelerated electron transfer within the photosynthetic electron transport chain and stimulation of key gene expression. Foliar application, soil amendment or incorporation into light‐conversion films has delivered consistent enhancements in photosystem II efficiency, net carbon fixation and photochemical energy conversion. Beyond light harvesting, functionalisation of carbon surfaces can regulate nanoparticle uptake, distribution and biocompatibility, minimising phytotoxicity while promoting targeted interactions with chloroplasts. Collectively, these advances signal a paradigm shift toward sustainable intensification of crop production, with potential to lower energy inputs, improve yields and contribute to global food security under changing climatic conditions.

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Carbon Nanomaterials for Enhanced Plant Photosynthesis publication trend

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Technical terms

Carbon dots (CDs): Quasi‐spherical carbon nanoparticles (<10 nm) exhibiting size‐dependent fluorescence and biocompatibility.

Photoluminescence quantum yield: Ratio of photons emitted to photons absorbed, indicating fluorescence efficiency.

Fv/Fm ratio: Maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II photochemistry, used to assess photosynthetic performance.

Nano‐antenna: Nanoscale structure that captures and directs light energy to photosynthetic pigments.

Plastoquinone (PQ): Lipophilic electron carrier mediating transfer between photosystem II and photosystem I in the thylakoid membrane.

References

1. Enhancing plant photosynthesis with dual light conversion films incorporating biomass-derived carbon dots. Carbon Capture Science & Technology (2024).
2. Developing dual‐state ultra‐efficient emissive carbon dots as internal and external artificial antenna of chloroplasts to enhance plant‐photosynthesis. Aggregate (2024).
3. Enhanced photosynthetic efficiency by nitrogen-doped carbon dots via plastoquinone-involved electron transfer in apple. Horticulture Research (2024).