Electrochemical preparation of luminescent graphene quantum dots from multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Title | Electrochemical preparation of luminescent graphene quantum dots from multiwalled carbon nanotubes |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2012 |
Authors | Shinde, DB, Pillai, VK |
Journal | Chemistry-A European Journal |
Volume | 18 |
Issue | 39 |
Pagination | 12522-12528 |
Date Published | SEP |
ISSN | 0947-6539 |
Keywords | electrochemical synthesis, graphene, Nanostructures, photoluminescence, quantum dots |
Abstract | Green luminescent, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with a uniform size of 3, 5, and 8.2(+/- 0.3) nm in diameter were prepared electrochemically from MWCNTs in propylene carbonate by using LiClO4 at 90?degrees C, whereas similar particles of 23(+/- 2) nm were obtained at 30?degrees C under identical conditions. Both these sets of GQDs displayed a remarkable quantum efficiency of 6.3 and 5.1?%, respectively. This method offers a novel strategy to synthesise size-tunable GQDs as evidenced by multiple characterisation techniques like transmission and scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Photoluminescence of these GQDs can be tailored by size variation through a systematic change in key process parameters, like diameter of carbon nanotube, electric field, concentration of supporting electrolyte and temperature. GQDs are promising candidates for a variety of applications, such as biomarkers, nanoelectronic devices and chemosensors due to their unique features, like high photostability, biocompatibility, nontoxicity and tunable solubility in water. |
DOI | 10.1002/chem.201201043 |
Type of Journal (Indian or Foreign) | Foreign |
Impact Factor (IF) | 5.831 |