Controlled-synthesis of carbon nanodots (CNDs) with tunable properties has always been challenging. Here, novel CNDs (blue-emitting CNDs (b-CNDs) and green-emitting CNDs (g-CNDs)) with tunable redox abilities and emission are synthesized via one-pot hydrothermal method. The redox ability of CNDs is regulated by surface state tailoring. The abundant reductive groups on the surfaces endow the b-CNDs appealing reducibility, whereas g-CNDs with fewer surface functional groups are deficient in reducibility. Using HAuCl4 indicator, the distinct reduc...