ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Carbon quantum dot

Imagine tiny little balls that are made of carbon molecules. These balls are so small that they can't be seen with your eyes or even a regular microscope. Scientists call these tiny balls carbon quantum dots.

These dots are super special because of their unique properties. They can absorb and emit light, which means they can glow in different colors. They also have a lot of surface area for their tiny size, which makes them great for reacting with other molecules.

Scientists are very interested in carbon quantum dots because they could be used in many different applications. For example, they could be used to make better solar panels, brighter LED lights, and even more efficient batteries. They could also be used in medicine for imaging and targeting cancer cells.

So, even though these carbon quantum dots are tiny, they have a lot of potential to make a big impact in the world of science and technology.