Emerging chiral sulfur-based nanomaterials for chiroptical applications

Abstract

Chiral sulfur nanomaterials (C-SNMs), particularly chiral sulfur quantum dots, are emerging as significant alternatives to traditional chiral semiconductor and metal-containing fluorescent nanomaterials. These materials are synthesized from low-cost and environmentally friendly non-toxic precursors and feature outstanding properties such as chiropticality, photoluminescence, biocompatibility and environmental sustainability. This review covers general principles of chirality and the experimental techniques for measuring chiral properties. In particular, synthesis methods of C-SNMs, and their (chir)optical properties, and the possible applications of these fascinating C-SNMs are discussed. This is the first review to focus exclusively on C-SNMs and aims to stimulate further research and innovation in this emerging field. Furthermore, the future prospects of C-SNMs are highlighted.