We report for the first time, carbon quantum dots (CQD) based highly sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor for detection of hydrazine. CQD was synthesized by pyrolysis method using a natural precursor, chia seeds. The sensing ability was studied in terms of oxygen-rich functional groups present on the surface of CQD. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim