Zero-dimensional (0D) nano-carbons, including graphene quantum dots, nanodiamonds, and carbon dots, represent the new generation of carbon-based nanomaterials with exceptional properties arising from diverse quantum phenomena, such as the surface, size, and edge effects, which strongly depend on the carbon–carbon bond configuration (sp2, sp3, and a mixture of sp2 and sp3) and particle size. Their unique physicochemical properties, including the optical, electronic, magnetic, reactivity, and catalytic properties, are valuable for energy conversion and storage, sensing, catalysis, optoelectronic devices, modern nanotechnologies, biomedical, and many other applications. This review aims to provide insights into the distinctive effects of 0D nano-carbon microstructures on their physicochemical properties that are crucial for cutting-edge fundamental studies and a broad range of multifunctional applications. The key synthesis methods for different types of 0D nano-carbons and current advances of characterization and computational techniques to study the structures of 0D nano-carbons and their structure–property relationships are also discussed. The review concludes with the current status, challenges, and future opportunities in this rapidly developing research field.

Inflammatory diseases are some of the most common diseases in different parts of the world. So far, most attention has been paid to the role of environmental factors in the inflammatory process. The diagnosis of inflammatory changes is an important goal for the timely diagnosis and treatment of various metastatic, autoimmune, and infectious diseases. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) can be used for the diagnosis of inflammation due to their excellent properties, such as high biocompatibility, low toxicity, high stability, and specific surface area. Additionally, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) allows the very sensitive structural detection of analytes at low concentrations by amplifying electromagnetic fields generated by the excitation of localized surface plasmons. In recent years, the use of graphene quantum dots amplified by SERS has increased for the diagnosis of inflammation. The known advantages of graphene quantum dots SERS include non-destructive analysis methods, sensitivity and specificity, and the generation of narrow spectral bands characteristic of the molecular components present, which have led to their increased application. In this article, we review recent advances in the diagnosis of inflammation using graphene quantum dots and their improved detection of SERS. In this review study, the graphene quantum dots synthesis method, bioactivation method, inflammatory biomarkers, plasma synthesis of GQDs and SERS GQD are investigated. Finally, the detection mechanisms of SERS and the detection of inflammation are presented.