Researchers from China, Germany and the USA present in Nature Protocols two novel approaches using biomass-derived carbon nanodots (CDs) as light-sensitive components in polymerisation processes. The protocols cover both single-component systems (Type I photoinitiators) and multi-component systems (Type II), which can be applied in conventional radical photopolymerisation as well as in photoinduced atom transfer radical polymerisation (photo-ATRP). The researchers utilise bio-based feedstocks: furfural is used to synthesise a Type I CD initiator, while sodium alginate-derived CDs can both initiate radical polymerisation and activate alkyl halides in photo-ATRP processes. Preparation, application and analysisThe protocols include the synthesis and characterisation of biomass-derived CDs, the execution of photochemical reactions, and the analysis of the resulting polymers. Source: Luo, X. et al., Biomass-derived carbon dots for the initiation of conventional radical and ATRP-based photopolymerisation processes.