Carbon-based quantum dots in fabrication and modification of membranes: A review

•Carbon-based quantum dots (CQDs) applications in membrane science.•Summarizing the membrane applications using CQD in its preparation or modification.•Briefly review of synthesis methods of CQDs such as graphene QDs & carbon nanodots.•Effect of nanocomposite structures of CQD on membrane performance was reviewed.•Difficult features of the uses of CQD-containing membranes in the future was explored.