In this Letter we characterize both the photophysical and plasmonic enhanced photophysical properties of carbon nanodots produced by a combustion method. In addition, we have found that max entropy analysis of luminescence decay reveals inhomogeneous distribution of radiative lifetimes. Further, while quantum yields of intrinsic carbon nanodots emission are low [<2%], when in close proximity to plasmonic supporting materials, carbon nanodots emission can be enhanced 30 times (30 x). (c) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.