Multifunctional perovskite quantum dots for selective tetracycline sensing and photocatalytic degradation: a focused review

Perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) have emerged as versatile nanomaterials for environmental and food safety applications due to their tunable optical properties, high photoluminescence quantum yields and facile synthesis. This review synthesises advancements in engineered PQDs for selective detection and photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline (TC) in aqueous and food matrices. Hybrid systems, including silica-encapsulated, europium-doped, and molecularly imprinted PQDs, enable selective tetracycline detection via fluorescence mechanisms such as electron transfer and inner filter effect. Composite PQDs achieve up to 88% TC removal efficiency in 120 minutes under visible light, comparable to standard photocatalysts like TiO₂, with lead-free Cs₃Bi₂Br₉ systems offering safer alternatives. Surface functionalization enhances stability in polar environments, addressing key challenges. This is the comprehensive review that integrates Perovskite Quantum Dots for Selective Tetracycline Sensing. This review integrates insights on TC sensing and degradation, highlighting PQDs’ potential as dual-functional platforms for environmental monitoring and remediation, and outlines future directions for scalable, safe PQD-based systems.