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Carbon dots (CDs) are luminescent carbon nanoparticles with significant potential in analytical sensing, biomedicine, and energy regeneration due to their remarkable optical, physical, biological, and catalytic properties. In light of the enduring ecological impact of non-biomass waste that persists in the environment, efforts have been made toward converting non-biomass waste, such as ash, waste plastics, textiles, and papers into CDs. This review introduces non-biomass waste carbon sources and classifies them in accordance with the 2022 Australian National Waste Report. The synthesis approaches, including pre-treatment methods, and the properties of the CDs derived from non-biomass waste are comprehensively discussed. Subsequently, we summarize the diverse applications of CDs from non-biomass waste in sensing, information encryption, LEDs, solar cells, and plant growth promotion. In the final section, we delve into the future challenges and perspectives of CDs derived from non-biomass waste, shedding light on the exciting possibilities in this emerging area of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of cooling textiles has a significant impact on energy saving and cost‐effectiveness in the context of global warming. Engineering textiles with cooling performance while maintaining their intrinsic traits, for example, lightweight, washable, comfort, and durability, is a great challenge in developing personal cooling garments. Here, the synthesis of nanodiamond/polydopamine/wool (ND‐PDA‐wool) nanocomposites through a facile dip‐coating approach is demonstrated. Different types of ND including detonation ND (DND), carboxylated ND (ND‐COOH) and hydroxylated ND (ND‐OH), are used, and dopamine templating is applied to achieve strong adhesion and bonding between fiber and ND. The morphology, structure, and properties of the as‐coated fabrics are characterized, and the cooling performance together with comfort are measured. Due to the excellent thermal conductivity of ND, the temperature difference between the coated fabrics and uncoated ones is around 2.4–3.9 °C within a short time span of 30 min. The coated ND‐PDA‐Wool fabrics demonstrated enhanced thermal stability and improved mechanical properties with excellent durability, and the water absorbency is greatly enhanced with well‐maintained air permeability. ND‐PDA‐wool composite fabrics offer a strategy to develop durable, lightweight, washable, and comfortable cooling textiles with immense potential in energy saving and reducing space cooling costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deposition of textile waste into landfill has reached an unsustainable level and raises serious environmental issues across the world. Transforming textile waste into fiber reinforcement in cementitious composites offers a sustainable resolution toward a circular textile economy. This article presents a comprehensive review of environmental concerns, recycling routes for textile waste, together with an in-depth review of the engineering properties of concrete incorporating recycled textiles. In general, the incorporation of these recycled fibers from textile waste enhances strain capacity, crack control, durability, and energy absorption of concrete via dual effects: bridging action (direct mechanism) and refinement of pore distribution (indirect effect). An improvement in compressive strength can be achieved by the utilization of a small dosage of recycled fibers or recycled fiber fabrics in concrete (strength < 40 MPa). Finally, the cost and environmental benefits for eco-efficient building application are also evaluated to draw the attention of researchers toward these potentially recyclable waste materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of nanomaterials (NMs) to a fibrous substrate has expanded the spectrum of its applications to various fields of life such as construction, medicine, protection, and energy. These promising outcomes are driving scientists to further explore this area from various aspects, including the introduction of different classes of NMs, their application through numerous approaches, and the potential achievement of various properties. A diamond nanoparticle is a biocompatible material with extraordinary thermal, mechanical, chemical, and optical properties. Nanodiamond (ND) has been extensively studied for its composites with polymers, fabrication, properties, and applications. It was attempted to combine ND with fibrous materials in nanofiber, fiber, filaments, yarns, and fabric, which opened up a new potential application area of ND in textiles. The fabrication, surface characterization, properties, and application of ND with various forms of fibrous materials are outlined in this review, which could be useful for paving the way for researchers to take some advanced steps in this respect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]